Day 142 - 26 Jun 95 - Page 08
1 Appeal. What he did not say is that you are entitled to
2 ask questions about whatever else you may find out about
3 the Phillipines because that would fall foul of what
4 lawyers for generations have called "fishing" .
5
6 MR. MORRIS: I was trying to ask about the relevant matters that
7 are pleaded but, first of all, I need to know the kind of
8 things that he discussed to see if they discussed things,
9 for example, any kind of history or background.
10
11 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Quite frankly, I do not follow that. Without
12 putting yourself at a disadvantage at all, you can say:
13 "Did you discuss anything to do with whether McDonald's
14 might have been refused a licence in the early 80s? Did
15 you discuss anything about placemats? Did you discuss
16 anything about the employment of young people in the 80s?"
17 That is all right. If you get an encouraging answer, then
18 certainly pursue it.
19
20 In other words, phrase your questions so they are clearly
21 connected with something in item 12 or item 74.
22
23 MS. STEEL: When the franchisee was setting up in the
24 Philippines, Mr. George, who would have given him advice on
25 the employment matters?
26 A. I can tell you it was not me, and I am trying to search
27 my mind as to when the Philippines had its first store. I
28 do not recall. I do not know.
29
30 Q. Whose area of responsibility is that now then, the
31 Philippines?
32 A. McGeorge.
33
34 MR. JUSTICE BELL: No, who in the Corporation?
35 A. Oh, again it is -- the country has its own
36 infrastructure. It manages its own business. If you are
37 asking me who may oversee on a broad basis that part of the
38 world, that would -- if that is the question, it would be
39 what we call a relationship partner, his own manager, if
40 you will.
41
42 MS. STEEL: Who supplies what you have said, advice and support
43 on personnel matters?
44 A. OK. Now I understand. It would be an International
45 Human Resource Consultant.
46
47 Q. Who is that?
48 A. Boy! It has changed over time. I am not sure exactly
49 who it is but I could get you the name.
50
51 MR. JUSTICE BELL: Are you asking now or back in the 80s?
52
53 MS. STEEL: In the 80s really. Would it have been the same?
54 A. No. It would not be the same. In fact, I do not
55 recall Human Resources spending much, if any, time in the
56 Philippines in the 80s -- the Oak Brook people.
57
58 Q. So was this just a franchisee who was left to his own
59 devices without the usual support and advice which you say
60 the Company ------
