Written question asked by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 January 2004. It was answered by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 19 January 2004 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 steps her Department is taking to ensure the fastest possible completion of compensation payments to former miners for (a) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (b) vibration white finger. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to ensure the fastest possible completion of compensation payments to former miners for (a) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (b) vibration white finger. [146116] Nigel Griffiths: The DTI is working closely with the medical assessment organisation, IRISC, (The Department's claims handlers), solicitors and other representatives of miners and their families to process and settle claims as quickly as possible. So far almost £2 billion has been paid to over 300,000 such miners, their widows and families.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 146116; 416 c1038W;416 c1036W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Compensation Bronchitis Industrial diseases Emphysema Mining Hand arm vibration syndrome Respiratory system
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk