Press Release

29^th August 2001

Sir David Steel to Host First Online Question Time

Greenock and Inverclyde will score another Scottish Parliament first when Presiding Officer, Sir David Steel, goes online to answer web-surfers’ questions. The first ever Online Question Time is being organised by MSP for Greenock & Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, through his website, DuncanMcNeil.com

The event is being held to officially launch Mr McNeil’s programme of online surgeries, which will be held regularly on the website throughout the year. The first of these will be held directly after Sir David’s Question Time has concluded.

Mr McNeil told the Telegraph:

"I am extremely grateful to Sir David for agreeing to host the first Online Question Time.

"As I have said repeatedly, our new Parliament will only work if it is open and accessible. Too many people can too easily be excluded from the political process, whether through work, family, or other commitments. It is my responsibility as an elected representative to ensure that as many people in Greenock & Inverclyde as possible can have their say.

"That is why I am hosting the Scottish Parliament’s first ever Online Question Time. It will allow anyone, whether at work, home, college, or their local community centre, to log on and chat live to one of the architects of devolution."

Sir David Steel said:

"I am delighted to be taking part in this innovative project.

"The principles of access and openness are at the heart of the Scottish Parliament and I welcome any move which helps us uphold these values.

"I am hugely looking forward to it."

ENDS

Notes

• The Online Question Time will take place from 5:00pm to 5:30pm on Tuesday 11^th September. Mr McNeil’s first online surgery will take place directly afterwards from 5:30pm - 6:00pm.
• The full details of Mr McNeil’s programme of online surgeries will be set out in his 2001 / 2002 surgery calendar, which is due to be published shortly.
• Internet users can join the Question Time by logging in to Mr McNeil’s online Chatroom, located in the "Contacts" section of www.DuncanMcNeil.com
• Mr McNeil’s interactive website is dedicated to news and views on the Scottish Parliament. It has already attracted nearly 900 visitors; is "Bobby Approved" making it accessible for disabled users; and was nominated for the New Statesman New Media Awards 2001.
• The Rt. Hon Sir David Steel KBE MSP was elected as a Liberal Democrat regional list MSP for the Lothians. He has, however, no party allegiance while in his post as Presiding Officer.
• Mr McNeil’s website is designed by Gourock company, Acscot.com

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