Miners' Compensation

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Industry – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 22 Mawrth 2001.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Peter Hain Peter Hain Minister of State (Energy and Competitiveness in Europe) 12:00, 22 Mawrth 2001

I will certainly consider that. There is no reluctance on our part to pay out the money. Recently, £50 million in offers was stuck with solicitors who were unable to make progress. We want them to speed up their operations. My hon. Friend is right to remind the House of the hugely complex process of litigation. My hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) often makes the point that the Labour Government in the 1970s dealt with such claims immediately and with great speed. We have been unable to do that because of the court process. However, speed has been increased greatly, and compensation will be paid throughout the country.