§ Mr. Cabornasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards providing assistance to countries afflicted by natural disasters.
§ Mr. LuceOur policy is determined primarily by humanitarian concerns; the aim is to respond appropriately and very quickly to requests for assistance from Governments and recognised international relief agencies when people are suffering and lives may be at risk. We work closely with the British voluntary relief agencies and official assistance is often channelled through them. The amount and form of any United Kingdom assistance in a particular case will depend on a number of factors, including the size and scope of the disaster, and the help available from other sources.