§ Mr. Kevan JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the pension rights of miners dismissed during the 1984–85 strikes. [22728]
§ Mr. WilsonFollowing the consultation process last year, I am persuaded that a number of miners dismissed in connection with the 1984–85 strike, and not subsequently re-employed by British Coal, were harshly treated.
760WI have concluded that the most appropriate way forward would be to enhance the pensions of these miners in recognition of the years of further service they lost as a result of British Coal's decision not to re-employ them. The costs of this will be met from the residual assets of British Coal. I would emphasise that those whose offences involved serious acts of violence or intimidation or actions which jeopardised the safety of others will not qualify for this enhancement of pension.
I will shortly be writing to interested parties with details of how this will be put into effect.
§ Mr. ToddTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Government received from mining pension fund surpluses in 2000–01; and if she will make a statement. [18719]
§ Mr. Wilson[holding answer 6 December 2001]: In 2000–01 the Government received £425.3 million from the mining pension fund surpluses. This included £114.4 million that was held over from the previous year.