Day 104 - 15 Mar 95 - Page 47


     
     1
     2   Q.   That would only happen if there had been a serious
     3        complaint or something like that?
     4        A.  If there had been a complaint or whatever that would
     5        initiative a visit usually from the veterinary officer,
     6        usually from the Ministry of Agriculture.
     7
     8   Q.   Has that happened?
     9        A.  No.
    10
    11   Q.   So far as you are aware, there have never been any visits?
    12        A.  No.
    13
    14   Q.   There is one official veterinary surgeon who is on
    15        attendance at the slaughter site, is that right, is it not?
    16        A.  Yes.
    17
    18   Q.   As well as observing the slaughter process, do they check
    19        the conditions of the chickens when they arrive?
    20        A.  Yes, they are responsible for checking crates and
    21        modules, the chickens themselves, in the arrival area.
    22
    23   Q.   Are there any other duties that have to carry out as well?
    24        A.  They are responsible for the overall hygiene standards
    25        in the plant as well as that and also for export
    26        documentation, health certificates, this kind of thing.
    27
    28   Q.   How often are staff given a break from the slaughter line?
    29        A.  There is a rotation programme where people do change
    30        their jobs, and depending on where they are working they
    31        get breaks at different times.  So, I really cannot answer
    32        your question.
    33
    34   Q.   You do not know what it would vary between then?
    35        A.  No, I am sorry I do not.
    36
    37   Q.   You do not have any specifications on that?
    38        A.  No.  Obviously there is a break time in the morning.
    39        There is a break time at lunch.  There is a break time in
    40        the afternoon.  But with people on shifts it is not
    41        something that I am really aware of, exactly how long they
    42        get.
    43
    44   Q.   So, basically, they get a lunch-break and two other breaks?
    45        A.  Yes.
    46
    47   Q.   How long do the shifts usually last?
    48        A.  The shifts are 8-hour shifts.
    49
    50   Q.   You used to kill birds at up to 12,000, 12,500 an hour, did 
    51        you not, slaughter birds? 
    52        A.  That was on the old line, yes. 
    53
    54   Q.   That had been the standard practice for a number of years?
    55        A.  Yes, I think so.
    56
    57   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  When did that change down to the 4,500 in an
    58        emergency?
    59        A.  On two lines that was changed I think two years ago.
    60

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