Miners' Compensation - 21st Jul, 2008

Sian James MP tabled several Parliamentary Questions on Miners Compensation Claims

Swansea East MP Sian James has urged ministers to chase up several outstanding compensation claims for former miners in her constituency.Two former miners, whose cases date back to 2005/06, are yet to receive a payout from the coal health compensation scheme.

The scheme covers respiratory disease and vibration white finger claims.

Mrs James has called on Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks to chase up their claims.

The MP has tabled two Parliamentary questions requesting a progress report following the successful outcome of another long-standing case.

"There are two cases that are particularly complex because records are incomplete and there may be a lack of witnesses.

"But we have had some good news recently about another case and I wanted to get attention focussed on these cases as I want these people to receive equally good news which they have waited a long time for."

"I appreciate these cases are complicated and there are exceptional circumstances, but I want to keep attention on them."

Mrs James also called for any other former miners, if they are eligible to claim compensation, to come forward if they have a case that has not been resolved.