Statistical estimates of the average value of BZ in the magnetotail neutral sheet between 10 and 22 RE in X, and -10 to 10 RE in Y (GSM coordinates) are given for different phases of geomagnetic activity. With few exceptions the average value of BZ is found to be between 5 and 8 nT, but generally near 7 nT, irrespective of the type or phase of activity. This is considerably higher than is predicted in current magnetic field models of the magnetotail. The magnetic field within 2 RE of the neutral sheet is examined to determine whether BZ remains approximately constant. We do not find this to be true, BZ decreasing significantly over this distance from ΔZ=0. The structure of the cross-tail current and variations in current density with substorm phase appear to be more complicated than is commonly accepted. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1994