Two Government grants of $2 million each have been approved for the HK Red Cross and World Vision HK to aid relief work for Iran's earthquake victims.

The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee recommended the allocation. To ensure the money is used for the designated purposes, the committee will ask the organisations to submit evaluation reports and audited accounts on the use of the grants after the relief projects have been completed.

The Disaster Relief Fund was set up in December 1993. The committee advises the Government on the policy and practices regarding the disbursement of funds for disaster relief.

The committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Members include Tsang Yok-sing, Andrew Liao, Sophie Leung, Chan Yuen-han, Yang Ti-liang, Michael Lai, the Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury and the Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food.