Day 098 - 07 Mar 95 - Page 27

     
     1        you what their programme is.
     2
     3   Q.   You get the results of those, do you?
     4        A.  Yes.
     5
     6   Q.   In the results of those are there sometimes traces of these
     7        things, whether they are not over the limit, or whatever?
     8        A.  There are, I mean, you do get positive results.
     9
    10   Q.   Right.  That would not be unusual to get a positive result?
    11        A.  It would be unusual for me certainly, yes.
    12
    13   Q.   It is unusual then, but it does happen at Midland Meat?
    14        A.  We have had one sample or possibly two since the scheme
    15        started which had been over the MRL.  I think when I spoke
    16        to the gentleman about it he was -----
    17
    18   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Finish your answer.  You were going to say
    19        you spoke to someone so leave it there.  Just pause a
    20        moment.  When you say "a positive result" do you mean one
         which is over the MRL or actually does have a reading?
    22        A.  One which is over the MRL.
    23
    24   MS. STEEL:  What was that for, the ones that were over the MRL?
    25        A.  From memory, it was for what is called an anthelmintic
    26        which is, I believe, used as a worming medicine.
    27
    28   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Can you spell it for us?
    29        A.  Yes.
    30
    31   Q.   Do your best.
    32        A.  A-N-T-H-E-L-M-I-N-T-I-C --  I am not a vet, I do not
    33        know.
    34
    35   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Do not worry.
    36
    37   MS. STEEL:   Then on top of those two positive results, it would
    38        be fairly usual to get residues of other things but below
    39        the MRLs?
    40        A.  I do not know because all we have is -- you will have a
         positive or a negative.
    42
    43   Q.   You do not get the actual?
    44        A.  Not the actual figure, no.
    45
    46   Q.   OK.  How long have those tests been carrying on?  When was
    47        that brought in?
    48        A.  At a guess, I think the programme has been in in this
    49        present form for about four years.
    50 
    51   Q.   Four years? 
    52        A.  That is my guess; that is not necessarily what it is. 
    53
    54   Q.   Do you remember how long ago it was that hormones were
    55        banned?
    56        A.  No.
    57
    58   Q.   You do not know?  Was that since you have been at the
    59        Midland Meat?
    60        A.  You must remember, my role was involved in the company