(a) Where it has been determined that a witness who is outside the State of New York will voluntarily answer interrogatories, the trial examiner may prepare interrogatories to be answered by such witness and the applicant shall have the opportunity to prepare cross-interrogatories as prescribed in this section.

(b) The interrogatories and cross-interrogatories shall be settled and forwarded by the hearing officer to be answered in writing and subscribed to under oath by such witness. Upon application to the Attorney General, the Attorney General may make an order providing for the taking of such witness's oral testimony pursuant to the settled interrogatories by a person designated by the Attorney General. The expenses of taking such testimony shall be borne by the applicant therefor unless the Attorney General provides otherwise.