Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 March 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, what decision he has made in respect of the pension entitlement of ex-miners dismissed during the 1984-85 miners' strike; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decision he has made in respect of the pension entitlement of ex-miners dismissed during the 1984-85 miners' strike; and if he will make a statement. [153236] Mr. Hain: My Department issued a consultative document in May last year which elicited some starkly conflicting views, and highlighted a range of difficult moral, legal and equity questions. As a result of the complexity of the issues raised it is taking time to reach a decision on the way forward. None the less, the Government wish to see a just outcome to resolve this long standing matter. Having spoken to those involved, I do recognise the strong feelings there are about an early resolution.

Secondary information