§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Papua New Guinea. [51903]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe are in close contact with the Papua New Guinea authorities through the British High Commission in Port Moresby. In response to the initial appeal for assistance, we have offered up to £250,000 to meet the immediate recovery needs of those affected by the tidal wave. Of this contribution, £75,000 has been allocated to the International Federation of the Red Cross to provide family rehabilitation kits containing basic household items, and materials to rebuild houses. We have asked other humanitarian organisations active in the region urgently to submit proposals for the remaining funds.
We shall continue to monitor the situation closely through our High Commission and through the regular reports we receive from the United Nations and the Red Cross and are ready to consider any further appeals for assistance.