§ Judy MallaberTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases have been lodged by former miners living in Amber Valley for compensation for emphysema and other respiratory diseases. [123940]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Department's claims handling agents have registered 1,565 claims for respiratory diseases from former miners living in the Amber Valley region, centring on the towns of Alfreton, Heanor and Ripley. Of these the Department has settled 69 claims and made interim payments to a further 394, totalling nearly £900,000.