§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if social security benefits previously paid out will be recoverable from the compensation payments recently announced for miners suffering from(a) emphysema, (b) bronchitis and (c) vibration white finger; and if he will make a statement. [78137]
§ Mr. BayleyIt has been a long standing principle that victims of personal injury or disease should not be compensated twice for the same need. Consequently compensation paid to miners for loss of past earnings, cost of care and loss of mobility may be reduced to take106W account of the liability to repay benefits paid in respect of the disease in question. Compensation for pain and suffering will be paid in full.