Day 283 - 21 Oct 96 - Page 28
1 of the potential and reality of animal suffering and
2 really, you know, this is an obvious case where this case
3 would have been shorter if McDonald's had not been allowed
4 to plead such an obvious... to try and suppress such an
5 obvious area of valid opinion.
6
7 And, as with all of these issues, McDonald's are aware,
8 have become aware, and often have been forced to be aware,
9 by campaigners to such an extent where they have had to
10 bring in a policy: a policy on packaging, a policy on
11 animals only came in a couple of years ago, or three years
12 ago or something, and it turns out that the policy, as
13 admitted by one of their witnesses, is only to adhere to
14 the laws in the country wherever they are based. But at
15 least it is a recognition that they have to have some kind
16 of public response because the public are concerned about
17 these issues. That is the same with all of them.
18
19 We say that the fact that McDonald's has a policy, a
20 so-called policy, is in fact a recognition that these are
21 not insignificant or insubstantial problems but they are
22 ones that have to be taken seriously, and for them
23 especially in the light of the fact that they are on the
24 defensive about them because of public concern and
25 criticism. Of course, with animals we brought our own
26 experience and authoritative witnesses, experts, to back up
27 our position. Moving on to the last issue --.
28
29 MR JUSTICE BELL: Do you want to deal with that all in one go at
30 two o'clock?
31
32 MR. RAMPTON: Yes.
33
34 MR. MORRIS: Yes.
35
36 MR. RAMPTON: I am observing the normal convention. Even where
37 I think Mr. Morris may have misrepresented my position I am
38 keeping quiet.
39
40 MR JUSTICE BELL: I think that is probably the best way to do
41 things. If you do disagree with something as an accurate
42 representation tell me about it when you address me, unless
43 it is something where you think I may be irretrievably
44 misdirected, and the same will apply to Mr. Morris and
45 Miss Steel when you are addressing me.
46
47 MR. RAMPTON: I have no fear of that.
48
49 MR JUSTICE BELL: Although Mr. Rampton comes second, if there is
50 something which he says which you think is actually
51 inaccurate on the evidence, then I will give you an
52 opportunity when he has finished to tell me about that.
53 Two o'clock.
54
55 (Luncheon Adjournment)
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