Day 075 - 17 Jan 95 - Page 33

     
     1        minimum.
     2
     3   Q.   For example, have you talked to McDonald's about their use
     4        of Happy Meal boxes and straws with separate wrappers
     5        and  ---
     6        A.  Yes.
     7
     8   Q.   -- flags?
     9        A.  Yes.
    10
    11   Q.   What was their response to that?
    12        A.  Their response to that (and I am not competent nor have
    13        I have had access to skills that could challenge that) that
    14        they do that to the point where it is hygienically or, in
    15        health terms, necessary but they do not do it beyond that.
    16
    17   Q.   What about flags, for example?  I mean, they would not be
    18        necessary for hygiene reasons?
    19        A.  We have discussed those issues and we discussed with
    20        other organisations the appropriateness of balloon releases
         and other matters of that kind which I am not in sympathy
    22        either.
    23
    24   Q.   I mean, when you have discussed balloons and flags -- these
    25        all come on plastic sticks as well; is that right?
    26        A.  Yes, we discuss with all the companies with whom we
    27        have dealings the question of promotional material and the
    28        nature of that in terms of environment/index.html">litter creation.  Remember, my
    29        concern is just in terms of how much of it ends up on the
    30        street, and one of the problems of balloons, particularly,
    31        is that that is almost certainly uncontrollable; once it
    32        has gone up you do not know where it is going to come down.
    33
    34   Q.   In terms of that, what did they say?
    35        A.  Those discussions that, we have always had very
    36        constructive discussions in that they would address the
    37        question of the environment/index.html">litter consequences of any promotional
    38        activities that they undertake, and they have continued to
    39        do that when we have had discussions with them.
    40
    Q.   So that would be something that was based, a decision that
    42        was based, on economic terms, they felt that it was
    43        important for the image or whatever.
    44        A.  Yes, but all I am saying is that they would not take it
    45        purely on economic terms in that they have always been
    46        willing to have the environmental question addressed, and
    47        in that sense have behaved responsibly in considering it.
    48
    49   Q.   And then deciding not to do anything about it?
    50        A.  Well, in certain circumstances, yes; in other 
    51        circumstances, no. 
    52 
    53   Q.   The Tidy Britain Group, you said that to become members
    54        companies are invited; is that right?
    55        A.  Yes.
    56
    57   Q.   How do you decide who to invite?
    58        A.  Well, the organisation has two sorts of membership.  It
    59        has associate membership which is by application.  It does
    60        not apply just to -- I mean, individuals, companies, local