HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 c532W
David Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the total of legal fees paid in respect of compensation claims for chronic obstructive and pulmonary disease for former miners who worked in the Leicestershire and south Derbyshire coalfields; what principles underpin the determination of such fees; and if he will make a statement. [35104]

Mr. Wilson

[holding answer 13 February 2002]To date, £1.0 million in Leicestershire and £0.3 million in south Derbyshire has been paid in claimants' solicitors costs. Costs and disbursements are paid in line with the handling agreement agreed between the Department and the claimants' solicitors. The costs are fixed in real terms, rising with inflation, and depend on the complexity of the case.