§ 12. Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on progress in paying compensation to miners in Wales. [136873]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI regularly meet my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and other DTI Ministers and discuss a wide range of issues, including miners compensation.
688WThe Government are working hard to bring about greater co-operation from all concerned in order to speed up payments to miners for their claims. In Wales £24.5 million has now been paid out in compensation, £18.8 million of that for respiratory diseases.