§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the latest figures for the total number of applicants for compensation under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979; how many of these have now been paid; how many have been notified of their rejection; how many remain to be decided; and when he anticipates reaching a decision on on those cases still outstanding.
§ Mr. Mayhew3,445 applications have been received. 612 payments have been authorised. 575 applicants have been informed that they appear not to satisfy one or more of the entitlement conditions. 2,258 claims are outstanding. I hope that many of the applicants whose claims are long-outstanding will be informed within the next few weeks whether they are entitled to a payment. Applications are still being received at the rate of about 250 a month.