§ Mr. Adam Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he intends setting up a special compensation fund for the victims of pneumoconiosis and similar diseases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EadieAs stated in the interim report of the tripartite examination of the coal industry, the Government have agreed that the coal industry should introduce a scheme of compensation in settle318W ment of claims by sufferers of pneumoconiosis. The Government recognise that existing cases are a burden of the past. Subject, therefore, to parliamentary approval, the Government intend to contribute towards relieving the board's finances of this burden in respect of existing sufferers.