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)
    56
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