§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many former miners in Merseyside have(a) received final compensation payments, (b) received interim compensation payments and (c) undertaken a medical assessment and are awaiting payment for (i) vibration white finger and (ii) respiratory diseases. [2029]
§ Mr. WilsonIRISC, the Department's claims handlers, have registered, in Merseyside1 778 claims in relation to Vibration White Finger, VWF. Of these, 428 have attended appointments to undergo the Medical Assessment Process, MAP. To date, IRISC have made 197 interim payments and 128 claims have been settled in full and final settlement.
With regard to respiratory diseases, IRISC have registered 1,383 claims in Merseyside1. Of these, 605 claimants have undertaken a screening spirometry test and 132 claimants have undergone the full MAP. To date, IRISC have made 279 interim payments and 82 offers in full and final settlement.
1 Merseyside is defined by postcodes with prefixes CH 41–49, 60–63, L 3, 9, 10–13, 16–26. 29–31, 34–38, 62–63, PR 8,9, WA 10–12 and WN4–5.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average duration is between medical assessment and final compensation payment for former coal miners seeking compensation for(a) Vibration White Finger and (b) respiratory diseases. [2010]
§ Mr. WilsonWith regard to Vibration White Finger, VWF, under the Handling Agreement, where there are no outstanding issues, the employment has been agreed and IRISC, the Department's claims handlers are in receipt of all the necessary documents, an offer of compensation in respect of general damages can be made in 56 days. The issues regarding special damages have not been finalised and therefore these payments can not be made as yet.
In respect of compensation for respiratory diseases, following spirometry, the first stage of the medical assessment, expedited offers are made within seven days where the results meet the relevant criteria. Payment is made within 10 days of acceptance of offers, subject to agreement of employment history.
In relation to settling claims where claimants have undergone the full Medical Assessment Process, where there are no outstanding issues, the employment has been agreed and IRISC are in receipt of all the necessary documents, an offer of compensation in respect of general damages can be made in 28 days. Meanwhile, IRISC are making interim payments wherever applicable.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on progress made in processing miners' compensation claims. [2030]
§ Mr. WilsonTo date, the Department has received over 272,000 claims in respect of respiratory disease and Vibration White Finger, VWF. Of these, more than 132,000 have been assessed. The Department has made over 91,246 individual payments amounting to £451 million.