Day 101 - 10 Mar 95 - Page 29

     
     1
     2   Q.   You said that the only slaughterhouse you had been to was
     3        Midlands Meat?
     4        A.  Well, I thought we were talking about beef.
     5
     6   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I think you used the word "slaughterhouse"
     7        which might have pointed him in one direction.
     8
     9   MS. STEEL:  How many times have you been to Sun Valley?
    10        A.  I probably go to Sun Valley a couple of times a year.
    11
    12   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Of course, that has the processing in as well
    13        whereas the slaughterhouse does not?
    14        A.  I would always see the slaughtering and the further
    15        processing on any visit.  Obviously, currently -----
    16
    17   Q.   That may be, but you go to Sun Valley; there is processing
    18        there as well as slaughter and you are saying you look at
    19        slaughtering while you are there or at the same time?
    20        A.  Yes.  They do not actually process there at the
         moment.  So, obviously, if I would go tomorrow, the only
    22        thing I could see would be the slaughtering.
    23
    24   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Yes, very well.
    25
    26   MS. STEEL:   Those visits, that is since you have been in your
    27        present post, is it?
    28        A.  That is, well, since I have been with the company
    29        I would say I have averaged at least two visits a year
    30        there, yes.  Two visits a year is about right.
    31
    32   Q.   But animal welfare is only something that the company has
    33        recently become very involved with?
    34        A.  No, I would say that is not true.  It has always been a
    35        matter that has been discussed ever since I have been with
    36        the company.  It is certainly part of my initial training
    37        with the company -- specifically at Sun Valley.
    38
    39   Q.   What were you told there then?
    40        A.  Well, the initial training that I had involved I think
         it was three or four days at Sun Valley.  Time was spent
    42        looking at the entire process right the way through from
    43        the breeding stock, through the hatchery, and on to the
    44        growing houses and through the slaughtering lines.  So,
    45        I have done that visit several times since as well, but the
    46        importance of it is that it was given that much time and
    47        included in an initial training programme.  I think that
    48        says quite a lot.
    49
    50   Q.   You visited the whole process, from the hatcheries to the 
    51        slaughter at Sun Valley? 
    52        A.  Yes, and the feed mill. 
    53
    54   Q.   And the feed mill?
    55        A.  Yes.
    56
    57   Q.   How often have you visited the farms?
    58        A.  I would say at least every other time that I go down
    59        there.
    60