HC Deb 19 January 2004 vol 416 cc1035-6W
Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average full and final settlement paid to former miners and their families is for(a) vibration white finger and (b) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and how many settlements were less than (i) £1,000, (ii) £500 and (iii) £200. [147264]

Nigel Griffiths

To date the figures are:

Settlement value COPD VWF
Less than £1,000 21,418 2,647
Less than £500 9,475 193
Settlements less than £200 3,413 8
Average settlement value1 £7,729 £8,168
1 Excludes denials.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the full and final settlements for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were reduced because of a smoking history; what percentage of the total number of such settlements this represents; and what the average value was of the reductions made. [147265]

Nigel Griffiths

As of mid January 2004 the number of full and final settlements reduced because of a smoking history is 59,993. This represents 64 per cent of total settlements.