Tsunami surplus needs to be spent

Sir, You report today that charities may have difficulty spending all the money generously donated to the tsunami appeal, and are wondering whether they should ask the public if they may divert the money to other disasters if they cannot spend the sum donated within the Disasters Emergency Committee’s three-year limit.

I don’t think the DEC should vacillate. The money should be quickly diverted to projects in Africa where there is clearly a massive need.

For the longer term, though, it might be sensible for charities to ask donors to name a second “disaster” area to which their money might be diverted. People would feel better if they were able to specify some alternative cause should their priority be oversubscribed.

Yours faithfully,

REG CARR,

29 Benbrook Way, Gawsworth,

Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9RT.

reg1.carr@virgin.net

February 14.