Millions, billions, trillions. I like numbers; enjoy mental arithmetic; and think there is some beauty in the wonderful symmetry of maths.

But even for me, these big numbers can convey little in the way of understanding.

So, when I heard on Tuesday that Government tax receipts were ‘£3.7billion above spending’, I was left trying to work out what this number really meant. A little division in my head, and I’d calculated that this came out as the equivalent to £600. That’s a lot easier to get my brain round. Big numbers lack humanity.

Whilst there has to be a debate as to whether this year’s budget deficit should be £150billion, or £130billion, no- one – politicians included – gets any notion of the impact on real people of the decisions in which we are involved at a national level.

That’s why MPs’ advice ‘surgeries’ are of critical importance, not just to helping those who seek out advice, but also putting into proper perspective the consequences to individuals of these big national decisions.

Take the lady I met earlier this week.

Her husband has been a long-serving, loyal member of staff for his firm.

But his wages have been cut – by £60 a week, down to £275. Her hours are about to be cut from 20 a week, to 12 – with a big reduction in her wages too.

Decent, hard-working, respectable folk are now angry, and distressed, that they should be the innocent casualties of the banks’ financial meltdown – for which they are the last people responsible.

“We’re so hard up, Mr Straw,” the lady told me, “that we daren’t put the heating on until we’re nearly freezing.”

Tragically, there are going to be plenty more people in their position and I’m doing my best to help her.

It won’t be enough in their situation. I’m alright, in one sense. I have a secure, well-paid job. I haven’t known hardship like this lady and her husband since I was a child.

But I’ve never forgotten it.

Nor will I forget this couple, and though I may well not succeed, I shall be doing my very best to help her.