WEBCASTING OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS

WEBCASTING OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS

2.

Assoc. Prof. Ong Soh Khim asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Leader of the House if live webcasting of parliamentary proceedings and video-on-demand of video recordings of previous parliamentary sittings can be provided on Parliament's website.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: The need for webcasting of parliamentary proceedings to members of the public was discussed in the House previously. In 1992, there was a live telecast of the Budget debate for 10 days during a trial period, but less than 1% of the people viewed the programme. In view of the low viewership, the idea of a live public webcast was shelved.

Those who are interested in the detailed proceedings in Parliament can attend its sittings. If they want to get a summary of the proceedings, they can watch the television summary at night or read the newspapers the following day. In addition, they can log on to the Parliament website to access the Hansard.

Nevertheless, I will ask Parliament to study whether there is demand for a live public webcast service.

Column: 111