HC Deb 09 March 2004 vol 418 cc1426-7W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many examiners who worked for both the Coal Board or the Coal Authority and small private mines have valid chronic bronchitis and emphysema claims outstanding; how many claims have received part payments; and if she will make a statement on progress of negotiations with small mine insurers in respect of the Court Handling Agreement. [158537]

Jacqui Smith

The number of outstanding COPD claimants who have worked for both BCC and a small mine is 2,164. The number of outstanding COPD claimants who have worked for BCC and a small mine and have received an interim payment is 453.

Following a three-way mediation exercise held in January, at which much progress was made, a further day of negotiation between the parties was organised on 23 February. This meeting proved successful and an agreement was reached which allowed the small mines to join the claims handling agreement.

Steps are now being taken with the Department's claims handlers to make arrangements for full and final offers to be made to this group of claimants