Compensation statistics

Total claims: 173,824 Settled: 14,780 Interim payments: 43,904 Died since claims begun: 6,271 Total paid: �241.4m Source: DTI

The ex-miners were claiming the payments from the government because they had contracted respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.

Since starting their claims in September 1999, 6,271 of the claimants had died, Lord Sainsbury told MPs in a written parliamentary answer.

But 14,780 claims had settled from a total of 173,824, said the minister, who explained 43,904 interim payments had also been paid.

Arrangements made

That brings the amount of compensation so far paid by the government to �241.4m.

Lord Sainsbury added: "Where claimants have died in the process the protocol to deal with these claims was agreed with the claimants' solicitors and put into operation in November 2001."

That protocol made it easier for widows to continue their husband's claims, meaning they no longer have to start the claims process again from scratch.

Campaigners for the former mine workers have argued the compensation scheme has not been administered quickly enough when the ex-miners are dying at "an alarming rate".

The National Miners Union (NMU) have raised concerns that many claimants are not receiving as much compensation as they are entitled to.

They say that the majority of claims have been processed through a fast-track scheme - resulting in smaller payouts.

Priority for sick

Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt defended the compensation scheme last October during a trip to Wales, where 22,000 ex-miners were making claims.

She said the oldest and sickest men were being given priority in the claims system.

Ms Hewitt accepted the process was not being handled quickly enough, but said she was "pleased and encouraged" by future plans.

"Things are moving faster than they were last year," she told BBC Radio Wales.

"I share the frustration. This is the biggest compensation scheme of its kind in the world."