Day 123 - 09 May 95 - Page 11

     
     1        conditions that animals are kept in?
     2        A.  I do not think that is a fair characterisation.  I do
     3        not see there has been a great deal of criticism.  Some
     4        people have, you know, opinions on that matter, but I would
     5        not say it is, you know -----
     6
     7   Q.   But the opinions are the opinions -- you are aware that a
     8        substantial -----
     9
    10   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Is what you are trying to get at this,
    11        whether or not there has been a great deal of criticism,
    12        there are people who strongly hold the view that one should
    13        not rear and slaughter animals for human consumption; that,
    14        no doubt, applies in the United States of America as it
    15        does in this country?
    16        A.   There is some criticism to that effect, my Lord, but
    17        I would not characterise it as being substantial.
    18
    19   Q.   I was going on to to say that some people who hold that
    20        view express their criticisms in strong terms from time to
         time; is that the same in the States as it is in this
    22        country?
    23        A.  That is correct, yes.
    24
    25   MR. MORRIS:  And books may be written on the subject, and
    26        newspaper articles may be written on the subject?
    27        A.  That is correct.
    28
    29   Q.   Your stores have been the subject of protests on the
    30        animals issue, yes?
    31        A.  I did not hear the first part of your question.
    32
    33   Q.   Your stores in America have been the subject of protests on
    34        the animals issue, have they not?
    35        A.  A few stores.
    36
    37   Q.   The same with the rainforests issue, especially in the
    38        1980s, yes?
    39        A.  A few stores.
    40
    Q.   On the subject of food, for example, there was an
    42        advertising campaign on the links between McDonald's food
    43        and heart disease.  Do you recall that national ads were
    44        taken out, in some cases, in papers?
    45        A.  That may have been the case.  I do not recall
    46        specifically some of the ads that you are referring to.
    47        I could just say that, if anything, in general, the
    48        overwhelming opinion about McDonald's is very favourable.
    49        We serve good, wholesome food and we are responsible -- we
    50        are a responsible company so ----- 
    51 
    52   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I did not have to sit in this court for nine 
    53        months so far, or as far as we have not been on vacation,
    54        to realise there were differences of opinions.  All you are
    55        being asked at the moment is whether there have been
    56        criticisms in this field.  Think about where you are going.
    57
    58   MR. MORRIS:  We are nearly finished; I think we have.  (To the
    59        witness):  I understand what you said, you were concerned
    60        about the headings, but in terms of the substance of the