§ Mr. Eric ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he will take to ensure that claims for damages for miners' bronchitis and emphysema in respect of exposure to coal dust underground before 1954 from mines in Scotland will not be treated as subject to the provisions of the Limitations Act 1954. [77077]
§ Mr. BattleThe Limitations Act 1954 does not apply in Scotland. However, although the Department accepts liability for claims for damages for miners' emphysema and chronic bronchitis in respect of exposure to mine dust underground in mines in Scotland, the extent of that liability has not been established in the Scottish Courts. The litigation to date covers only England and Wales. The effect of Scottish law on claims from ex-British Coal miners claiming damages for respiratory diseases caused by exposure to dust in Scottish mines will be discussed with solicitors representing Scottish miners once we have agreed the handling arrangements for claims in England and Wales. We expect such agreement to be reached shortly.