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?

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