Written question asked by Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Monday, 1 October 2007.

British Coal Compensation

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have made an assessment of the legal services provided by Nabarro solicitors in the negotiation of a tariff for claimants’ solicitors’ fees in the British Coal vibration white finger litigation in 1998 and 1999, having regard to the Boys Smith report cited in the Coal Health Compensation Schemes report by the National Audit Office, published on 18 July, and their findings about the preparation by Nabarro solicitors on behalf of the former Department of Trade and Industry; and whether they intend to take independent legal advice in the matter.

Answer: The National Audit Office report notes that Nabarro assisted in the negotiation of solicitor costs for the vibration white finger scheme but makes clear that those negotiations were conducted initially by IRISC and concluded by the former Department of Trade and Industry. While the department reviews the work of all its contractors as part of its normal business, I see no need to carry out a review of the work of one specific adviser in this period or take independent legal advice on it.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5065; 694 c141WA
Session: 2006-07
Notes: Answer received between Monday 30 July and Friday 3 August 2007.
Subjects: Contracts Compensation Coal British Coal Corporation Fees and charges Industrial diseases Mining Solicitors Hand arm vibration syndrome Nabarro
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk