Day 245 - 07 May 96 - Page 07

     
     1   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Is this a new matter to what you asked Mr.
     2        Preston about nearly two years ago because you did ask him
     3        about the Bournemouth Advertiser article and the captive
     4        bolt and I do not really want you to go over matters which
     5        you asked him about then?
     6
     7   MR. MORRIS:  OK, we will leave that one out then for the
     8        moment.  You do not recall giving evidence about it two
     9        years ago?
    10        A.  No, I am sorry I do not.
    11
    12   Q.   I did make notes on what you gave evidence about before.
    13
    14   MR. JUSTICE BELL: It is understandable if there are some things
    15        which you do not remember being asked about and I am almost
    16        certain to forget myself, but you did ask about that.
    17
    18   MR. MORRIS:  The paper printed an apology, which has been read
    19        out in court, approved by McDonald's which read:
    20
         "McDonald's Restaurants Limited have asked us to point out
    22        that they do not approve of the captive bolt methods and
    23        are highly concerned with ethical issues."
    24
    25        But you do use the captive bolt method for your suppliers
    26        of beef, is that correct, in this country?
    27        A.  I cannot speak for all of them.  I assume some must.
    28        The purchasing folks are the best to ask about that one, I
    29        am afraid.  Those details are not for me.
    30
    31   Q.   It has been accepted, I think, by your ----
    32
    33   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Mr. Preston accepted.  When he gave evidence
    34        nearly two years ago, he said he could not remember the
    35        description of the implement used.  Mr. Rampton said,
    36        "captive bolt" and he said, "Yes, that is it".  You then
    37        asked him about the Bournemouth Advertiser article.
    38
    39   MR. MORRIS:  Yes.  Thank you very much.
    40
    MR. JUSTICE BELL:  I only remember this because I have been
    42        reading through the transcript of Mr. Preston's evidence,
    43        otherwise I would not remember a thing about it.
    44
    45   MR. MORRIS: (To the witness):  The Company has said that it is
    46        people's right to join a trade union, is that correct?
    47        A.  The law says what people's rights are.
    48
    49   Q.   Right.  So it would be illegal for McDonald's to actually
    50        ban people from joining a trade union? 
    51        A.  We do not ban people from joining trade unions.  The 
    52        law states very clearly what they are entitled to do if 
    53        they so wish.
    54
    55   Q.   Presumably it is people's right to join a trade union
    56        because it is their right to be active as a trade unionist?
    57        A.  I have no idea.
    58
    59   Q.   You do not know?
    60        A.  (No response)