Video kills the jet-set star

I noted with interest the letter from Bruce Lloyd suggesting that universities should invest in video-conferencing equipment to slash the environmental impact of staff air travel ("Keep them grounded", 16 July).

Here in Wales, the Welsh Video Network (www.wvn.ac.uk) was established in 2001. It is financed by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government, and connects all higher and further education institutions in Wales, plus some schools and other public bodies. It is used for learning and teaching, plus one-to-one and group meetings for the conduct of all sorts of business.

Among other things, students in Wales have been able to benefit from the expertise of lecturers based in South Africa. The network has cut travel times and costs, as well as helping the environment.

Philip Gummett, Chief executive, Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.