§ Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many silicosis cases(a) have been processed to date and (b) are still outstanding; and what assessment he has made of the length of time needed to complete all the outstanding silicosis claims; [135543]
(2) what action his Department is taking to speed up the process of settling outstanding silicosis compensation claims. [135544]
§ Mrs. LiddellSince assuming the former British Coal's health liabilities in January 1998 the Department has received no claims for silicosis.