Day 265 - 19 Jun 96 - Page 44


     
     1        It is information I mind the defendants having and I will,
     2        if necessary, explain why but I would do that at your
     3        Lordship's discretion in Chambers, if I have to.
     4
     5   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  What was the purpose of knowing that?
     6
     7   MS. STEEL:   Well, it may be relevant as to whether it is a
     8        reputable organisation or not.
     9
    10   MR. RAMPTON:  I have not the least idea.
    11
    12   MS. STEEL:  We might want to investigate it.
    13
    14   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Come back to it when I have heard a lot more
    15        cross-examination.
    16
    17   MS. STEEL:  Well, I think Mr. Rampton should give his reasons
    18        for curtailing his--
    19
    20   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  No.  Come back later when I can judge better
    21        when I have heard just how much you put and challenge.
    22
    23   MS. STEEL:  Well, there is going to be very serious challenge to
    24        Mr. Claire's evidence.  I think that is apparent.
    25
    26   MS. STEEL:  The thing is, if we hear it afterwards then we do
    27        not get a chance to investigate it while Mr. Claire is
    28        still in the witness box.
    29
    30   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  You are going to have plenty of time. We can
    31        deal with it tomorrow and Mr. Claire is not coming back
    32        tomorrow.  He will have to come back on Friday.  If need
    33        be, we will deal with it first thing tomorrow in Chambers.
    34        I am not going to go into Chambers and just come out again
    35        now for it.  It is not necessary to deal with it now:
    36
    37   MR. MORRIS:   Can I just clarify, if we ask a question and the
    38        other party want to challenge it, surely they have to give
    39        a reason?
    40
    41   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Well, we need not deal with it now.  That is
    42        all I am saying.  If any party says:  "I want to go into
    43        chambers to deal with this.  I have a reason for it.  I did
    44        not want to declare in public", I will do that.  I will do
    45        it if you ask. I will do it if Mr. Rampton asks.  I am not
    46        going to clear the Court to hear it in the middle of the
    47        afternoon just so that members of the public can then come
    48        back in again. It is far easier when we start first thing
    49        in the morning to start in Chambers and members of the
    50        public can be let in when I have dealt with it. 
    51 
    52   MS. STEEL:  If it is possible, I would like to a deal with it at 
    53        the end of this evening rather than tomorrow.
    54
    55   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Very well.  Yes.
    56
    57   MS. STEEL:   (To the witness) So when was it that you were first
    58        approached by Bishops?
    59        A.   I believe it was late '89, sir.  I may have been early
    60        1990.  I cannot recall.

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