REQUEST TO EXAMINE SOLICITORS FEE STRUCTURE IN MINING HEALTH CLAIMS (3)

Early day motion 401, tabled 12 January 2004 by Michael Clapham (Labour). Signed by 67 members.

That this House is pleased to learn that some firms of solicitors have now agreed to refund claimants any extra charges they have levied and one on the panel of the Miners Welfare and Compensation Agency has been forced to repay a ú9,000 success fee to an 80 year old widow; expresses condemnation of solicitors who deprive miners and their widows of their full compensation awards when their legal costs and legitimate disbursements have been paid by the Department of Trade and Industry; is appalled that the Miners Welfare and Compensation Agency continues to pass itself off as a welfare body when they have no connection whatsoever within the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation or any other reputable charity serving mining communities; and calls on the Miners Welfare and Compensation Agency to instruct its panel of solicitors to refund to miners and their widows all success fees deducted from compensation awarded under the Government's coal health scheme.

Signatures by party: Labour 53, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 1.