THE government has paid out more than £1.5 million in compensation for coal mining related diseases to former pitmen in East Lancashire, it has been revealed.

But there are hundreds of claims outstanding and the final figure could top £15 million for the area.

Out of almost 1,000 applications for the cash, nearly half have been settled. But local MPs are demanding action to tackle the backlog.

In all, some 996 claims have been made under the government's compensation scheme for two conditions - various lung diseases caused by inhaling coal dust and "vibration white finger'', shaking of hands and severe circulation problems caused by operating colliery machinery.

The total payout in East Lancashire is £1,625,594 - £1,053,195 for lung diseases and £572,399 for VW - industry minister Brian Wilson has announced, revealing that the final payout could be ten times that amount.

For lung diseases there have been 748 applications of which 301 are for deceased miners to provide for their widows and families. Of those 285 have been settled in full or in part or rejected leaving 463 outstanding.

There have been 197 interim payments and 72 full and final settlements with 16 claims rejected or withdrawn.

For VWF, there have been 243 claims by living miners and five by deceased ones. Of these, 156 have been settled in full or in part leaving 92 outstanding.

There have been 96 interim settlements, 39 full ones and 21 rejected or withdrawn.

The majority of claims have come from Burnley, where the last mine, Hapton Valley, closed within the last 20 years.

More than 450 claims have been made in the constituency resulting in payouts worth £677,660 - £195,392 for VWF and £677, 660 for lung diseases.

Chorley is the next highest where £485,852 has been paid out; £224,856 for VWF and £260,996 for lung diseases. In Rossendale and Darwen £168,746 was paid out; £54,621 for VWF and £114,125 for lung diseases.

The figure for Hyndburn is £142,38; £19,652 for VWF and £122,729 for lung diseases. Pendle has so far received £94,420; £62,031 for VWF and £32,389 for lung diseases.

Even picturesque Ribble Valley has seen payouts of £30,303; £12,072 for VWF and £18,231 for lung diseases.

In Blackburn £22,457 has been awarded for lung diseases but so far no VWF claims have been settled.

South Ribble has had no lung disease cases but its single claim for VWF has seen an interim payment of £3,775.

MPs are delighted that the cash is starting to come through to claimants but want to see the process speeded up.

Burnley Labour MP Mr Pike said: "This is a very important announcement. I have dealt with many claims from my mining constituents. It has taken far too long. I look to the government to speed up the payments to the remaining claimants, many of whom are either very sick or dying. They and their families deserve nothing less. I shall continue to press Mr Wilson on the issue.''

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans said: "It is welcome news that the money is getting through. Better late than never. The government launched this scheme with a flourish but it has taken far too long to get the money to the victims of there diseases, many of whom have died while waiting. "

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said:We need to settle these claims as soon as possible. Some of the victims are dying.''

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "TThese are people who worked hard all their lives and suffered as a result. We must ensure they get the compensation they deserve as soon as possible. Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson said: "This money is very important to many of my constituents and the government must make every effort to make sure the remaining claims are settled as soon as possible."