Brian Wilson: Hailed the scheme

Of those miners who opted for a medical assessment, two thirds have now been seen.

Meanwhile, 1,000 respiratory disease claims have been settled in Scotland compared with 500 at the beginning of the year, according to figures.

Mr Wilson said: "Here in Ayr we have delivered over 360 assessments and while the centre stays open to assess the remainder, progress is very encouraging.

"The complex compensation process is now beginning to deliver results for these men and their families.

"Justice is what they deserve and what I am determined to see them have.

Two schemes

"The number of offers is going up each week. The next challenge is to make final offers of compensation faster - as rapidly as possible.

"There have been calls to radically change the process for assessing claims but this would be fatal just when it is paying dividends.

"We need to focus on how we can fine tune the process so that it runs more smoothly."

The DTI is running two major compensation schemes for miners suffering from lung diseases and the disease Vibration White Finger (VWF).

The schemes were negotiated between the dti and representatives of miners' solicitors following court judgements three years ago which found British Coal liable for the injuries.