Wellington, Sept 10 NZPA - The Government is reporting "huge interest" in its wage subsidy scheme for businesses affected by the earthquake and says $120,000 has been committed so far.

The scheme pays a $350 a week wage subsidy to employers so they can continue to pay their workers while businesses get back on their feet.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today said 469 employers had called about the subsidy.

As well:

* 15,700 elderly people have been contacted out of 18,000 living alone in the earthquake-affected areas of Canterbury;

* 553 home visits have been made to the elderly;

* the Government's earthquake helpline has received 9566 calls; and

* 1585 emergency payments have gone to Canterbury people, mainly for food, clothing and accommodation.

Ms Bennett said that since announcing the $7.5 million Special Community Response Fund, officials had met non-government organisations to assess the need for grants.

That included Canterbury's family violence agencies, which had decided to work together to tackle increased domestic violence. Funding was being given to them to help with telephone networking and start-up costs.

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