Day 101 - 10 Mar 95 - Page 49
1 something that the public want to be reassured about?
2 A. Yes, certainly in this country animal welfare is
3 becoming quite a well publicised issue.
4
5 Q. So you are developing this to deal with that interest?
6 A. Well, it is quite natural that people will want to know
7 what McDonald's situation is or position is with regard to
8 these issues, so Mr. Oakley decided that it was the right
9 time to put out a publication which included that
10 information.
11
12 Q. Do you feel that the public have a right to information
13 about the production of the food they are eating?
14 A. Most certainly.
15
16 Q. Why do you not tell the public about the conditions that
17 the animals are kept in rather than saying this, that and
18 the other about it being humane?
19 A. Could you ask the question again, please?
20
21 Q. Well, the Fact Book we were looking at earlier, it says
22 McDonald's insists that animals used in its products are
23 reared in a clean, safe, hygienic and comfortable
24 environment and the that humane methods of killing are
25 used. Instead of making that statement, why do you not
26 tell the public: "Our chickens are reared in broiler sheds
27 where they do not see the sunshine"?
28
29 MR. RAMPTON: My Lord, we are really are entering into the world
30 of fantasy. If the Defendants would like to produce a
31 tract based on what one might call animal welfare
32 activists' consideration for consideration by McDonald's
33 for publication, then let them do so, but not waste this
34 witness's time by asking that sort of question.
35
36 MS. STEEL: It is not fantasy. It is about reality.
37 A. Why do you not tell the public that your chickens are
38 reared in -----
39
40 MR. JUSTICE BELL: "Why are you suggesting they should" just put
41 that to him.
42
43 MS. STEEL: I put it to you that you say that your methods are
44 humane because you think that the public will assume they
45 are outside roaming around in the field having a great time
46 if they read that, that you are duping the public?
47 A. I do not believe that was the intention of putting out
48 this information. It was put out on a voluntary basis.
49 I think you are reading into it completely the wrong
50 things.
51
52 MS. STEEL: Why do you not give the facts and figures about how
53 the animals are kept five battery chickens to a cage?
54 A. I am not responsible for the company publications.
55 I cannot answer that question.
56
57 Q. You have never discussed it?
58 A. Discussed it with whom?
59
60 Q. Discussed giving the public that kind of information?
