Fifty nine Labour MPs, including three from north Staffordshire, have tabled a Commons motion claiming that some firms are deducting the sums from compensation payments relating to health claims even though all legal costs are met by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Paul Farrelly, Stoke-on-Trent MPs Mark Fisher and Joan Walley MP have all signed the early day motion which calls on the Law Society to ensure the miners are repaid.

It has been tabled by former miner Michael Clapham MP who claims the practice is "widespread".