Day 014 - 20 Jul 94 - Page 08

     
     1   Q.   A Bachelor of Agricultural Science, what is it?
              A.  Bachelor of Agricultural Science, yes.
     2
         Q.   Both from Queen's University in Belfast?
     3        A.  Yes.
 
     4   Q.   And a PhD in physiological chemistry from the University
              of Reading?
     5        A.  Yes.
 
     6   Q.   Have you published papers on the issues of physiology of
              milk secretion, chemistry of milk proteins, nutrition and
     7        health, food legislation and food policy?
              A.  Yes, that is correct.
     8
         Q.   Among other things, perhaps?
     9        A.  Yes.
 
    10   Q.   Tell us, please, what exactly Verner Wheelock Associates
              Limited does as consultants in food policy?
         A.  Verner Wheelock Associates is a small company which
              I established when I left full time employment from the
    12        University of Bradford in 1990.  The main work we do is
              act as consultants to food companies on nutrition and
    13        health and related topics, such as legislation and food
              safety.  We also run training courses in food hygiene and
    14        occasionally offer consultancy on those topics.
 
    15   Q.   Have you been advising -- I mean you personally and your
              company, Verner Wheelock Associates Limited -- the second
    16        plaintiffs in this case, McDonald's Restaurants Limited,
              since 1991?
    17        A.  Yes, I have.
 
    18   Q.   What is the nature of the advice which over the last three
              years you have given to McDonald's in this country?
    19        A.  Well, my main responsibility is to advise the company
              on nutritional issues, on the implications of the dietary
    20        recommendations for the company, on any issues in
              nutrition that arise and any other -- I can get involved
         in any other consumer issues related to food safety or
              nutrition in relation to the company.
    22
         Q.   May I ask you two questions:  First of all this, in case
    23        it is suggested that your independence is compromised in
              any way, what percentage of your company's income is
    24        derived from your relationship with McDonald's?
              A.  It would be of the order of 20 per cent.
    25
         Q.   I also ask you this:  Are you concerned in general terms 
    26        that the people of this country should eat a healthy diet? 
              A.  I think my record on that is quite secure.  I have 
    27        been involved in helping to promote the healthy eating
              cause in this country for at least 15 years.
    28
         Q.   Then may I ask you this:  In your relationship with
    29        McDonald's how in general terms have you found McDonald's
              attitude to be in relation to that question of health?
    30        A.  Well, in the early stages at least in my initial
              meeting with McDonald's, their discussions centred around