§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance Her Majesty's Government will give to those affected by the tidal wave in Papua New Guinea. [52457]
§ 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 relief and recovery needs of those affected by the tidal wave. Of this contribution, £75,000 has been allocated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide family rehabilitation kits containing basic household items, and materials to rebuild houses. A further £44,944 has been channelled through the UK Foundation for the South Pacific, a non-governmental organisation, for the provision of medial supplies and temporary shelters. We have asked other humanitarian organisations active in the region to urgently 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.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she has sought from the United Kingdom armed forces for help in Papua New Guinea. [52456]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe have been in contact with the Ministry of Defence and have concluded that the services of the UK armed forces will not be required. We are assisting those affected by the tidal wave through the provision of funds to Non-Governmental Organisations for emergency rehabilitation and recovery efforts.