Day 020 - 28 Jul 94 - Page 84
1 there may be a few hens in a yard; yes, they are obviously
not comparable.
2
Q. It was just, I do not know, people here might not be aware
3 of the wide variety of things that can come under the
title of a perchery, or whatever?
4 A. Yes.
5 Q. It covers a wide range of types of system?
A. Barn eggs covers a wide range of production systems;
6 that is correct.
7 Q. Some are quite intensive?
A. That is very true.
8
MR. RAMPTON: Can I ask one further question?
9
MR. JUSTICE BELL: Yes.
10
MR. RAMPTON: It is just this. I, like you, Dr. Gregory,
11 recall what I think Ms. Steel is referring to, which is a
farmyard not enclosed, with some buyers on one side and
12 some kind perhaps on the other, and a few colourful birds,
perhaps a cockerel, flapping around on top of bales of
13 straw. Do you know the sort of picture that I am trying
to conjure up?
14 A. Yes.
15 Q. Can I ask you this, whether you know to what extent such
establishments still exist in this country? If you do not
16 know it does not matter.
A. The prevalence or extent I do not know, but in terms
17 of their contribution to national egg production it would
be very, very small.
18
Q. I think you were suggesting the other day that once the
19 chicken's egg laying life is over it probably goes to make
coq-au-vin, or something like that?
20 A. Yes.
21 Q. What I wanted to ask you, leaving all facetious
remarks----
22
MR. JUSTICE BELL: They are more directed at the farmers's
23 breakfast than any mass production?
A. Yes, they would serve the local community or it might
24 be part of pin money for the farmer's wife, or just home
consumption.
25
MR. RAMPTON: What I want to ask you is this. This is not a
26 facetious question. In the journey from hatched egg to
coq-au-vin on the farmer's table, if the bird has broken a
27 leg or a wing in the course of that journey, what stage is
the farmer likely to discover that has happened?
28 A. In that sort of system?
29 Q. Yes, what we call the natural farmer. I use the word "old
fashioned"?
30 A. He would only observe whether the bird had sustained
that type of fracture, I think that is your question.
