LONDON - MARCH 2005

People who find themselves unable to meet debts because of sudden illness or redundancy could gain temporary relief under new court measures.

An 'enforcement restriction order' will provide consumers with temporary relief from debt recovery if their financial circumstances change unexpectedly. It will allow them up to six months to sort out their finances without legal action.

Court orders that state how and when debts must be repaid will also be reformed to help debtors meet their responsibilities and creditors get their money. Key features include a debt ceiling of £15,000 and a maximum time period of five years for debtors to meet their debts.

The debt reforms are part of the Government's focus on dispute resolution without costly court cases where possible.

The changes are set to come into operation from 2008.

Constitutional Affairs Minister David Lammy said:
"The steps that we are taking will ensure that debtors are able to resolve their problems at the earliest possible stage and avoid, wherever possible, the cost and stress of court proceedings."

22 MARCH 2005

The generosity of the UK public has seen £300million donated to the tsunami disaster fund, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Jack Straw was in Parliament to give latest information on the UK's response to the Indian Ocean disaster - he called the response 'staggering'.

In paying tribute to the efforts of British consular officials and police deployed to the area since 26 December, he said they had done 'superb work in difficult and traumatic circumstances.'

Mr Straw said that with Presidency of the G8 this year, the UK would be working with international and regional partners to develop 'sustainable' ways to reduce people's vulnerability to the threat of future disasters.

The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir David King, is chairing a group of scientists and experts studying the risks presented by natural hazards and working on early-warning systems.

And through debt relief and trade measures, the Government have already taken action to help people in the region rebuild their livelihoods. He also confirmed that a memorial service for the victims would be held at St Paul's Cathedral in London on 11 May. The Queen and Prime Minister will attend.

Mr Straw said:
"The grief of families who have lost loved ones will always be with them. The Government remains determined to offer all the support we can to them and to all the victims of this terrible tragedy."