Day 016 - 22 Jul 94 - Page 22

     
     1        used again was "established" a causal link?
              A.  Yes.
     2
         Q.   You said you cannot recall any.  Have there been studies
     3        which have claimed to have indicated a causal link -- you
              realise the difference between establish and link -- or
     4        are you saying you cannot remember any at all?
              A.  It is a complete minefield.
     5
         MR. MORRIS:  Does that mean that some have, though, claimed to
     6        have found a causal link?
              A.  There have been all kinds of conclusions; some say
     7        there have; some say they have not; you pays your money,
              you takes your choice.
     8
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  We will break off until 10 to 12.
     9
                             (Short Adjournment)
    10
         MS. STEEL:  We have seen some studies showing a statistical
         link between a diet high in fat and low in fibre and
              cancer.  Based on that, is it reasonable for people to
    12        give advice that such a diet, high in fat and low in
              fibre, is linked -- has been linked to cancer of the
    13        breast and bowel?
              A.  I think I should say first of all that my position on
    14        this would be roughly the same as it is in the grey book,
              which deals in summary with the work that has been done on
    15        the role of fat and breast cancer and on colon cancer.
              Whether one is relating to cancer or heart disease or
    16        stroke, there is no question -- I accept that in this
              country it is advisable to reduce our total fat and to
    17        reduce our saturated fat.
 
    18        It says the specific targets in the health of the nation
              that we should reduce our total fat intake by 12 per cent
    19        between 1990 and the year 2005, that we should reduce our
              saturated fat by 35 per cent between 1990 and the year
    20        2005.  I have gone on record saying I have supported it;
              McDonald's have gone on record as saying they support
         these targets for the health of the nation.  Again I do
              not think there is any disagreement between us on that.
    22
         Q.   You have not answered the question:  Based on the studies
    23        we have seen showing a statistical link, is it reasonable
              for people to give advice that a diet high in fat and low
    24        in fibre has been linked to cancer of the breast and
              bowel?
    25        A.  Quite frankly, we have got to the point where that is
              irrelevant. 
    26 
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Who are the people you are talking about? 
    27
         MS. STEEL:   Anybody.
    28
         MR. JUSTICE BELL:  In the context of this case I think it would
    29        be helpful if you were more specific.  Are you putting to
              the witness that McDonald's should have said that?
    30
         MS. STEEL:  No.  I am asking whether it is reasonable for