Day 067 - 15 Dec 94 - Page 46


     
     1        with all the regulations and policies.
     2
     3   MR. MORRIS:  Mr. Gonzalez, are you saying that every supplier
     4        that supplies McDonald's in the world has to visit the USA
     5        first; you personally acquaint yourself with the conditions
     6        in their plant to see if they comply with the Humane
     7        Slaughter Act document laws which you do not have in your
     8        department?
     9        A.  I am not saying that, no.
    10
    11   Q.   Is that your efficient way of carrying out your business?
    12        A.  Yes, it is an efficient way, but let me answer that new
    13        question.  Our suppliers are not required to visit the
    14        United States.  They are required to understand our
    15        policies, procedures and regulations from which we
    16        operate.  They can go to other suppliers, they can come
    17        into the UK.  They go what we consider world class
    18        suppliers that are around the world.  The US is not by any
    19        means the best at everything they do.  We bring them into
    20        Europe, we take them to Australia, we take them to
    21        Argentina.  We take them to the best places that we
    22        consider are the best training grounds and the best,
    23        efficient way to do it; it could be because they are closer
    24         ---
    25
    26   Q.   But you have said -----
    27        A.  But, sir, again would you let me finish my statement?
    28
    29   Q.   You will have to be here three weeks -----
    30
    31   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  No, you must let him finish.  But, quite
    32        frankly, I think your point is simply this.  I do not think
    33        you need ask, if I may suggest, any further questions about
    34        it.  You say that Dr. Gomez Gonzalez is saying that
    35        McDonald's policy in this area is the provisions of the
    36        Humane Slaughter Act and the code of practice which in some
    37        way (which at the moment I do not understand) is related to
    38        it.  You say, if that is so, in America, the suppliers, it
    39        ought to be ascertained by McDonald's, should have a copy
    40        of the Act and any relevant code of practice and, even more
    41        so, should they in countries outside the United States,
    42        which are not actually bound by the law of the United
    43        States, and you say that that clearly has not been done.
    44
    45        I have got that point.  We will have to see if there is any
    46        more evidence on the point which comes out, any
    47        documentation in relation to the relevant Act or Acts and
    48        any relevant code of practice, but that is where you have
    49        got to at the moment.  You have to ask yourself whether any
    50        further question on that point is going to strengthen your 
    51        position. 
    52 
    53   MR. MORRIS:  When you disclosed the Mark Pattison document from
    54        April 1993 -- there is a very strong animal welfare lobby
    55        in this country, is there not?
    56        A.  That is correct.
    57
    58   Q.   Are the UK welfare regulations stronger than most
    59        countries?
    60        A.  You can make that statement.

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