In this third step, listen to the conversation again while you read the transcription. Finally, read the glossary information, phrasal verbs (highlighted in yellow) and notes at the bottom. This step also means good practice for your reading comprehension skills. To get information in Spanish, just place the arrow of your mouse on any highlighted word without clicking.

The Company Expands

(Ian Hampden, Personnel Manager, is Chairman of the Welfare Committee meeting) 

IAN

Miss Prince, Miss Tappett, Mr. Biggs... Well, I think everyone's here, except the  Company Secretary, Mr. Buckhurst. I'm afraid he can't join us this morning because he has to meet the Mayor for the opening of the new factory extension. By the way, we'll have to be fairly brief if we're to be down there before eleven. We  don't want to miss the official opening, do we?

BIGGS

No, we don't.

IAN

Good. Well, let's take the minutes of the last meeting as read, if you agree? (Murmurs of assent) Now, the first item on to day's agenda arises out of the last meeting. It was agreed by the Committee to collect reactions from the staff to the new canteen and the new serving counters, which were designed to speed up the rate of service. Miss Tappett, you undertook to find out about this.

TAPPETT

Everyone seemed to be very satisfied, Mr. Hampden.

IAN

Are there any complaints?

TAPPETT

Oh, there were a few silly ones, but nothing serious. Most people think it's a great improvement on the old canteen.

IAN

Good. Next, the suggestion was made that all wages should in future be paid by  cheque instead of in cash. Mr. Biggs undertook to enquire into this. Well, Roy?

BIGGS

I made quite extensive enquiries, Mr. Hampden. Some people didn't object to the idea. They understood the point about safety. But the majority of people, especially the male staff, didn't want to hear about it. They like to see their money. Most of them asked when they'd have time to go to a bank.

PRINCE

Their wives could draw the money from the bank.

BIGGS

Most men prefer to handle their own money, Miss Prince.

PRINCE

In my view that is a very old-fashioned attitude.

BIGGS

Maybe, but that is the majority opinion.

IAN

Well, I gather there's not much point in pursuing this matter, anyway for the time  being.

BIGGS

No, not really.

IAN

Well, next we come to the question of sports facilities, and I'd first like to make a  statement about this. As you know, the management is seriously interested in using the area of land beyond the new ex tension. One suggestion is that some form of sports ground be provided. They ask the Welfare Committee to make recommendations. As a preliminary, I think we should put forward our own views on the matter. Roy, perhaps we could start with your opinion.

BIGGS

I think, if there's enough money that the land should be levelled and made into a  football field. The majority of employees are men, and football is their favourite sport. I strongly recommend a football pitch.

PRINCE

It's true, Mr. Biggs, that there are more male than female employees in this firm, but still, there are a lot of women. I think it would be most unfair if the men were given special treatment in this way.

IAN

What do you think, Miss Tappett?

TAPPETT

Me? Oh, I really don't know. Well, speaking for myself, I rather like things as they  are. It's nice, with the trees and the grass at lunch-time.

BIGGS

I think we should ask for suggestions from everyone first. Then we can take a ballot.

PRINCE

But if there's a ballot, the majority wins. I think more interest should be taken in minority opinions.

IAN

Maybe we can do that, depending on the cash available. But the first thing is to get  information. Roy, would you be willing to make yourself responsible for getting suggestions from the staff?

BIGGS

Yes, all right.

IAN

Fine. Oh, look, it's ten to eleven. I think we'll have to adjourn if we want to hear  the speeches. I think we've settled most of the business. Now we'd better fix the date of the next meeting...