Day 005 - 04 Jul 94 - Page 48
1 problems?
A. I disagree.
2
Q. For whatever reason, you do not agree?
3 A. I do not agree. The third parties whom we have
consulted on the issue side with what I just told you.
4
Q. If you felt that it was an environmental problem -- I want
5 a "yes" or "no" answer.
A. I do not.
6
MR. JUSTICE BELL: I am afraid you cannot demand that from a
7 hypothetical question. You can ask a hypothetical
question, if you like, but it is up to the witness whether
8 he answers it or not.
9 MR. MORRIS: Would you say your primary concern -----
10 MR. JUSTICE BELL: If it is a question of fact to which he
knows the answer, then you can insist on an answer.
11
MR. MORRIS: Is your primary concern in using packaging post
12 consumer the environmental effect?
A. We take a total history analysis. If I do what I do
13 today versus china plates, knives, forks, which would in
the opinion of independent third parties have the greatest
14 effect on the environment, either positive or negative,
universally they come down on the side of McDonald's:
15 "Continue doing what you are doing; do not change; do
knives and forks and you would take a step backwards".
16
Q. When was the first independent research?
17 A. Back in the 70s, I believe.
18 Q. In the 70s?
A. I believe in 70 s; subsequently followed up on at
19 least two or three occasions in recent years.
20 Q. So for 20 years, at least, McDonald's Corporation was
using packaging, was it not, without knowing, in your
21 submission, whether it was damaging to the environment as
compared to a cafeteria?
22 A. I did not say that at all. We know what we do
currently is the least environmentally damaging option
23 available. That is what we move forward on.
24 Q. Just to point out one further thing on the last document,
X3: Would you support this statement by the Tidy Britain
25 Group: "The Group's view is that recycling ... (reading
to the words) ... by international disposal or the
26 disturbing economics of the recycling business". Would
you agree with that statement?
27 A. I agree with it, yes, basically. It would be nice for
the governments to co-ordinate.
28
Q. Just one final question before Helen comes in on the
29 subject -----
30 MISS STEEL: Mr. Preston, do you know how many people are
served on average in a high street McDonald's store on a
