HC Deb 18 May 2004 vol 421 cc893-4W
Huw Irranca-Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the total deductions made from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compensation payments by(a) solicitors, (b) call farming agents and (c) the National Association of Colliery Overmen, Deputies and Shotfirers South Wales. [173026]

Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 13 May 2004]: I regret that such information is not required to be submitted by claimants' representatives to Government.

Huw Irranca-Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what level of compliance with the recent Law Society guidance on repayment of deductions from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compensation payments has been achieved. [173028]

John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many instances have been(a) notified to the Department and (b) identified by the Department of claims under the Coalminers Compensation Scheme which have required additional costs outwith those paid by the Department under the claims handling agreement. [172983]

Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 13 May 2004]: The Department has been advised by the Law Society that they have received 182 complaints in relation to claims by former miners and their families. Of these 98 have now been closed resulting in nearly £14,000 being repaid to claimants.

John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims handling agreements there are under the Coalminers Compensation Scheme; on what dates they were signed; and by whom. [172982]

Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 13 May 2004]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 10 May, Official Report, column 77W.