Virus inquiry to be broadcast on web


3 October 2001



Virus inquiry to be broadcast on web

By Johann Tasker
A PUBLIC inquiry organised by Devon County Council into the foot-and-mouth crisis is to be broadcast live over the Internet.


Daily live Internet broadcasts from County Hall, Exeter, will start at 10.30am on Monday (8 October), said council officials.


It is believed to be the first time that a public inquiry in the UK has been accessible in pictures and sound over the worldwide web.


The five-day hearing will be accessible via the county councils Information Devon website at www.devon.gov.uk.


A total of five cameras will transmit pictures. Viewers will receive a whos who guide to the inquiry committee and a daily schedule of witnesses.


Brian Greenslade, chairman of the County Councils Cabinet, said the move underlined Devon County Councils commitment to open government.


“We very much wanted this to be opportunity for people from all walks to life to make their contribution, he said.


It is fitting that we are using the Internet to also make the inquiry as widely accessible as possible to members of the public.


Since the inquiry was announced on 22 August, more than 350 submissions have been sent to the co-ordinating unit at County Hall.


Evidence has been received farmers, vets, hoteliers, holiday attraction owners, business people, politicians, clergy, and teachers.

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