Day 245 - 07 May 96 - Page 29


     
     1        at the time.
     2
     3        There was an error made in one aspect.  I have talked about
     4        that previously in my amended statement, paragraph 16 and
     5        17, and I stand by that.
     6
     7   Q.   There are other aspects but we will come on to them.  Just
     8        one other point in this particular press release.  This
     9        press release is dated May 1994 and if you look at the last
    10        page of it?
    11        A.  We are looking at number 3?
    12
    13   Q.   Yes?
    14        A.  I have it.
    15
    16   Q.   If you look at the part under, "There are a number of
    17        additional issues which have been raised"?
    18        A.  Yes?
    19
    20   Q.   Obviously, I dispute all of the points there, but
    21        I particularly wanted to point you to the third paragraph
    22        where it says:
    23
    24        "It has also been suggested that McDonald's has the unfair
    25        benefit of legal advice.  The group have long had the
    26        informal support of lawyers and this was finalised with the
    27        appointment of a City law firm and 2 specialised libel
    28        barristers to advise them."
    29
    30        What impression are you trying to give there?
    31        A.  I am not trying to give any impression; I am stating a
    32        fact.
    33
    34   Q.   Are you trying to convey the impression that everything is
    35        equal, that both sides have got representation, and it is a
    36        completely equal battle?
    37        A.  Ms. Steel, in a court of law in a democratic society
    38        everybody steps in their equal.  The facts of the evidence
    39        will be that which the judge rules upon.  I knew that
    40        coming and I hope you knew that coming in.
    41
    42   Q.   What was the point of saying:  We have long had the
    43        informal support of lawyers and it was then finalised with
    44        the appointment of a City law firm and 2 specialised libel
    45        barristers?
    46        A.  I think it stems from the first sentence.  If I read
    47        your own material, McLibel Support Campaign, it repeatedly
    48        talks about yourselves being the short end of the stick in
    49        an unfair position because you do not have legal advice and
    50        that is simply not the case. 
    51 
    52   Q.   So you do not think that you have got an advantage having a 
    53        City law firm and specialist libel barristers representing
    54        you?
    55        A.  Ms. Steel, this is about the truth.  It is not about
    56        advantage or disadvantage.  It is about telling the truth
    57        and that is all.  The judge, I am sure, will do so, after
    58        he hears all the evidence.  He will come to a conclusion.
    59
    60   Q.   You would have been aware at that time, would you not, that

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