Day 077 - 25 Jan 95 - Page 65


     
     1        sometimes called intervention beef?
     2        A.  Because balance sheet beef is under Customs and Excise
     3        control.
     4
     5   Q.   How often does the opportunity arise to buy balance sheet
     6        beef?
     7        A.  Well, in those days, the days we are talking about
     8        here, every year there would be balance sheet meat
     9        available.
    10
    11   Q.   On this occasion you were negotiating with Customs and
    12        Excise, I think, for permission to use balance sheet beef
    13        in McDonald's?
    14        A.  Yes.
    15
    16   Q.   What was the reason?
    17        A.  Financial.
    18
    19   Q.   Is it cheaper?
    20        A.  Yes.
    21
    22   Q.   I think as we will see in a moment some five consignments,
    23        four of which were balance sheet, were delivered for use by
    24        McDonald's on these shores.  Have you ever used it since
    25        for McDonald's?
    26        A.  No.
    27
    28   MR. MORRIS:  Sorry, where can we see that?
    29
    30   MR. RAMPTON:  You can see that from the previous invoices.
    31
    32   MR. MORRIS:  I think you should refer to it.  You cannot refer
    33        to documents that have not been looked at.
    34
    35   MR. RAMPTON:  If you had read the papers you would understand
    36        the point.
    37
    38   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  No, that is not quite right, Mr. Rampton,
    39        because we are getting it from the documents.  I read them
    40        through, but whether I would actually pick the point up --
    41        let me just look.
    42
    43   MR. RAMPTON:  My Lord, I am only trying to save time.
    44
    45   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I know you are.
    46
    47   MR. RAMPTON:  It is really is not on a consideration of the
    48        documents a matter of any controversy at all.  I will fly
    49        by the book if your Lordship wishes.
    50 
    51   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  My concern is that it is a sensitive point. 
    52 
    53   MR. RAMPTON:  I know, yes, I understand.
    54
    55   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It is your case that the beginning and end of
    56        Brazil beef are these 80 tonnes.  It is the Defendants'
    57        case that there is or may be more to it than that.  It is
    58        important for me to see what such documents as we do have
    59        tell me, if anything.  That is my only concern.
    60

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