No one can fail to have been shocked by the devastation and loss of life caused by the recent tsunami that swamped low lying countries all around the Indian Ocean. The tragedy was brought closer to home through the large number of western tourists caught up in the disaster and tragic stories of families divided as some survived and others perished.

It was vital that the Government responded quickly to the unfolding tragedy and I am pleased that our Government has been at the forefront of relief operations. The response was immediate and focused through support to the United Nations' Humanitarian Organisations, the Red Cross Movement, non-governmental organisations as well as a range of practical actions, such as delivery of urgently needed relief items including water, water containers, tents and blankets and plastic sheeting.

The British Government's contribution has been raised from an inititial £50 million to £75 million. None of this will be taken from existing development programmes. Of this £75m, around £30m has already been disbursed to the UN and NGOs. The UK's share of EU budget money allocated is a further £15 million. Gift Aid tax relief amounts to a further £15 million. The Government is also making a special donation to offset the VAT on goods sold to raise money to the Tsunami appeal. And the Department for International Development has offered to pay the cost of air freighting equipment and supplies paid for by donations from the public. With the addition of an agreed moratorium on debt repayments for affected countries UK Government support will top £200 million. All this supplements the £100 million already raised by the public.

One of the most important lessons that we can learn from this disaster is that we all have a responsibility to help people in the developing world in any way we can - through personal giving, the charities and organisations we belong to and even when we go on holiday.

The public's response has been magnificent and the Government has pledged to more than match their generosity. Neither must cease just when people are starting to rebuild their shattered lives.