preserving tabs

when i insert a text field into mysql, it sometimes contains tabs, but when i view the record on a html page the tabs have gone. doing a select on the table from the mysql command line, show the tabs present. Using \" $mytext\" when displaying the txt field does not fix it DT ________________________________________________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient(s) please note that any distribution, copying or use of this communication or the information in it is strictly prohibited.If you are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to another person, use it for any purpose, or store or copy the information in any medium. > ************