§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps have been taken to recover public money where solicitors and others have been paid in full through the coal claims handling agreement, but have charged the claimant a success fee. [180093]
§ Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 22 June 2004]: I am advised that costs cannot be recouped where a solicitor has also charged a claimant a success fee since the fees paid under the Agreements are legally enforceable.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims under the coal claims handling agreement have been subject to the Schedule 56 disputes procedures; and how many of these have had their costs paid in full. [180094]
§ Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 22 June 2004: Eleven. None have received costs payable under schedule 17 of the revised CHA.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether it was specifically agreed by her Department under the claims handling agreement with the Union of Democratic Mineworkers that a limited liability company was an appropriate body to represent claimants. [180095]
§ Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 22 June 2004]: The choice of the UDM to process claims through Vendside is a matter for the UDM and its members.
§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Union of Democratic Mineworkers is treated in the same way as a firm of solicitors in representing claimants under the claims handling agreement. [180096]
§ Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 22 June 2004]: Yes, but there is a difference in the costs paid by the Department, which are lower in the UDM agreement.