Written question asked by Win Griffiths (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 April 2005. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 April 2005 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the Oral Answer of 2nd March, Official Report, column 1150, on Coal Health Claims Monitoring Group, if he will break down the payments made to ex-miners by (a) respiratory disease and (b) vibration white finger compensation schemes.

Answer: Mr. Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales pursuant to the oral answer of 2 March 2005, Official Report, column 1150, on Coal Health Claims Monitoring Group, if he will break down the payments made to ex- miners by (a) respiratory disease and (b) vibration white finger compensation schemes. [224202] Mr. Touhig: Figures available at the time of my oral reply showed that a total of over £344 million had been paid out in Wales for respiratory claims and over £122 million for vibration white finger (VWF). This brought the total paid out in Wales since the start to over £467 million. Since my reply, these figures have increased, with over £347 million paid out for respiratory disease and over £123 million for VWF. This is an increase of £3 million, bringing us to a combined total of over £470 million paid out in Wales for both schemes so far.

Secondary information