Day 018 - 26 Jul 94 - Page 05

     
     1   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  It is described as a statement of the second
              plaintiffs and its suppliers' position on animal welfare
     2        and husbandry in the index.  I can see some of that might
              be directed at standards for suppliers but, for instance,
     3        fish Icelandic frozen food and reference to seals,
              dolphins and whales is, obviously, directed at a much
     4        wider audience.
 
     5   MR. RAMPTON:  My belief would be that this is a McDonald's
              document.  One can see it is all in the same format
     6        produced for public consumption, would be my guess, but
              I can find out about that.  It would help your Lordship to
     7        have the answer to that question.
 
     8   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  My main concern is in relation to
              Dr. Gregory's evidence; whether he is familiar with it,
     9        knows of it and ---
 
    10   MR. RAMPTON:  That is what I was going to ask.
 
    MR. JUSTICE BELL:  -- what, if any, use it is put to within the
              sphere of his evidence.
    12
         MR. RAMPTON:  Have you seen, those specifications, or whatever
    13        you like to call them, before?
              A.  Yes.
    14
         Q.   The important question is this:  Looked at from the point
    15        of view of an expert in farm animal welfare, how do you
              rate them as statements of what is required in relation to
    16        animal welfare?
              A.  I would make two points.  Firstly, from the point of
    17        view that this evidently is written by a retailer, it is
              sound, but I think where the word "EC legislation" is
    18        used, it would be preferable if that was "EC and/or UK
              legislation".
    19
         Q.   Is there a difference between what we in this country
    20        require and what the EC requires?
              A.  Yes.
    21
         Q.   In terms of animal welfare?
    22        A.  Yes.
 
    23   Q.   Are we stricter or more lax?
              A.  In some areas we are stricter.
    24
         Q.   Do the people who rear and slaughter animals have to
    25        comply with, where they are stricter, stricter
              regulations? 
    26        A.  Could you repeat the question? 
  
    27   Q.   Do the people in this country who rear and slaughter
              animals have to comply, where they are stricter, with the
    28        stricter UK regulations?
              A.  They do.
    29
         MR. MORRIS:  Is it possible to ask a question about this
    30        statement?  We have not a date on it -- is that known?