Written question asked by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Monday, 10 December 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 December 2001. It was answered by Brian Wilson (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 December 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the pension rights of miners dismissed during the 1984-85 strikes.

Answer: Mr. Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the pension rights of miners dismissed during the 1984-85 strikes. [22728] Mr. Wilson: Following the consultation process last year, I am persuaded that a number of miners dismissed in connection with the 1984-85 strike, and not subsequently re-employed by British Coal, were harshly treated. I have concluded that the most appropriate way forward would be to enhance the pensions of these miners in recognition of the years of further service they lost as a result of British Coal's decision not to re-employ them. The costs of this will be met from the residual assets of British Coal. I would emphasise that those whose offences involved serious acts of violence or intimidation, or actions which jeopardised the safety of others will not qualify for this enhancement of pension. I will shortly be writing to interested parties with details of how this will be put into effect.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 376 c759-60W; 22728
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Assets Coal British Coal Corporation Pensions Mining Pension rights Strikes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk