§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assistance they have provided to victims of the Kobe earthquake.
§ Lord InglewoodImmediately after the earthquake we told the Japanese Government that we stood ready to send any assistance they required and gave examples of what we could offer. They made a specific request on 21 January, and the Overseas Development Administration at once chartered an aircraft to deliver a first consignment of relief supplies. The cargo consisted of over 18,000 blankets, 35 rolls of black plastic sheeting, 500 collapsible 20 litre water containers and 500 plastic bowls, totally filling the aircraft by volume. The aircraft arrived on Monday 23 January at Kansai International Airport near Kobe.
The Japanese authorities have requested some other items, including bandages, dressings and sanitary napkins. The Overseas Development Administration sent a consignment of 3 tonnes on 24 January; British Airways donated the freight space.
In addition, the International Rescue Corps, a British charity which supplies fully trained, self-sufficient rescue teams, has sent a 16-member group to assist in the rescue operations.