Day 093 - 28 Feb 95 - Page 62


     
     1        down, get yourself organised for whether there is anything
     2        within this section, and when we get to the end of this
     3        afternoon, perhaps in half an hours time, it would be
     4        helpful if you can give a best estimate of how much longer
     5        you think you will need.  Concentrate on getting ready to
     6        move on first of all.  The question of time is also
     7        important so that we can see whether we might have time to
     8        look at your application for leave to amend and look at
     9        that.
    10
    11   MR. MORRIS:  There are other matters as well.
    12
    13   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Is there anything else you want to raise?
    14
    15   MR. MORRIS:  We were hoping definitely to finish by Thursday
    16        lunch time so we could have a legal afternoon.  We are
    17        making our best effort but it is going more slowly.
    18
    19   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I was going to suggest you aim, I will not
    20        say at worst, but at latest to finish your
    21        cross-examination by Thursday lunch time.  If you can do it
    22        before then so much the better then that gives Mr. Rampton
    23        some time to re-examine if he wishes.  In some ways I have
    24        said already that I have not, so far, put limits on you
    25        acting for yourself in cross-examination or, for instance,
    26        Mr. Rampton in chief or anyone in this case.  There is,
    27        sometimes, a benefit in the judge interposing a target
    28        because it gives you a framework for to you work within.
    29        I have to say in your favour that when in the past we have
    30        on a number of occasions had witnesses who wanted to go by
    31        a certain date time, you have met them.  You have sometimes
    32        expressed concern as to whether you might have missed
    33        something out, but certainly I have not been able to think
    34        of a topic which I can see is part of your case from the
    35        statements with the pleadings which you omitted to deal
    36        with.
    37
    38   MR. MORRIS:  Nothing would please us more to have a spare day
    39        this week or something like that, but it is going very
    40        slowly.
    41
    42   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Carry on now.  It seems to me that
    43        Mr. Rampton can sensibly work on the basis that we will
    44        have all Friday for Mr. Bowes.
    45
    46   MR. RAMPTON:  Then I will not postpone him.  I will keep him
    47        where he is.
    48
    49   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I would do that.  (To the witness): When you
    50        are asked a question do not feel constrained to say "yes" 
    51        or "no" because we want an informative answer, but do not 
    52        feel that you need to explain everything or that you need 
    53        to explain an explanation, if I can put it that way.
    54        Do yourself justice but concentrate on the specific
    55        question.  You can always be asked another question either
    56        by Ms. Steel or Mr. Morris in cross-examination, or by
    57        Mr. Rampton who has an opportunity to question you again
    58        when the cross-examination is finished.  It is difficult
    59        and I am sure irritating to you if one has to step in and
    60        say I think that is enough.

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