§ Paddy TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been paid in fees to(a) solicitors and (b) handling agents in respect of compensation for (i) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (ii) vibration white finger. [142013]
§ Mr. Timms[holding answer 4 December 2003]As of 23 November 2003 the total 217 million has been paid in solicitors' costs for respiratory disease claims and 80 million for Vibration White Finger claims.
The claim handlers, IRISC, are not made aware of the total costs paid to handling agents for processing these claims.