Forum Rural Answers

Recordion of the Beauly-Denny public inquiries

22-Feb-2007
The Beauly to Denny 400kv pylons inquiry is underway with the strategic sessions in Perth. All the campaign groups - whether for or against the pylons are struggling to keep abreast of what is happening because, unlike in the N Yorks Inquiry, the Scottish Executive will not pay for the proceedings to be transcribed. In N Yorks there was a transcript of the previous day's sessions available every morining.

Having no transcript of the inquiry sessions is UNDEMOCRATIC as only the applicants - Scottish & Southern Energy - can afford the resources to keep track of what is happening. The inquiry has only been underway for a few days and there have already been occasions when witnesses have given evidence that is relevant to later sessions.

One possible way forward is under the Disability Discrimination Act. If any Rural Gateway members know of someone with a relevant disability who would like to attend the Inquiries - strategic or local in Stirling, Perth Inverness or Newtonmore (National Park one) - then please let me know or contact dannyalexander@highlandlibdems.org.uk . Under the DDA the giovernment is obliged to make proceedings accessible by someone transcribing as the events unfold and this being projected onto a screen.

Can anyone help or provide other suggestions on how we can get transcripts of the sessions?
Jo Cumming,
Chair, Cairngorms Revolt Against Pylons

jo cumming

22-Feb-2007
Story read 885 times
User Comments: 1

Undemocratic is the least of the problems

27-Feb-2007 @ 20:56PM

Phil Olson

If no transcript is being made how can any normal human be expected to adjudicate evidence stretching over months and running to buckets full of words?
Phil