HC Deb 18 March 2002 vol 382 c85W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her recent meeting with the UK compensation monitoring group. [43050]

Mr. Wilson

I met the Ministerial Monitoring Group on 6 March. The main points covered were the significant increases since October 2001 in numbers of full and final offers made in relation to respiratory disease. It was also noted that the Department is working closely with the Claimants' Solicitors to ensure that offers are being translated quickly into settlements. The issue of ensuring priority for oldest and sickest claimants was discussed.

In relation to VWF, the cut-off date of 31 October for the scheme was noted, following an announcement by the Department earlier that week. I emphasised that this message should be circulated as widely as possible.