An antipodean fact-finding mission by Essex County Council retiring chief executive Stewart Ashurt is to cost £6,000.

Yesterday, the Gazette revealed Mr Ashurst is set to visit Australia and New Zealand, with a Hong Kong stopover at the start of next month.

And today, we can confirm the budget set for his trip is £6,000.

During his stay, Mr Ashurst will look at the use of technology in local government, working with the voluntary sector, how courts combat anti-social behaviour and children's services.

He also plans a stopover in Hong Kong to visit port giant Hutchison the company hoping to expand Harwich port.

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Published Wednesday, October 6, 2004

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