OVER £1 billion has been paid in to the Mineworkers' pension Scheme reinstating benefits for thousands of miners.

About 60,000 members quit the MPS in the 1980s when, in the aftermath of a bitter year-long strike, they were persuaded to transfer to personal pension schemes.

Privatisation of the coal industry in 1994 provided MPS members with Government guaranteed index-linked pensions. Pensions increased by 20% in 1997 and by almost nine per cent this year.

David Morgan, MPS chief executive, said: "Over £1 billion has now been paid in to our scheme, enabling us to re-instate over 21,000 miners who have the protection of being members of one of the largest UK pension funds.

"With the mis-selling review still on-going, we hope to welcome many more back in to the MPS in the not too distant future." MINEWORKERS claiming compensation for chest diseases have to complete a 30 page questionnaire.

The National Union of Mineworkers along with solicitors Raleys are committed to helping members complete the form for this and other related claims such as DSS benefit advice.

British Coal insurers IRISC have returned incorrectly completed questionnaires claiming 30% have been returned to the claimants' solicitors.

The NUM urge anyone who thinks they may have a claim to act now as the claims deadline nears. They also wish to clarify to all miners and their next of kin that in some cases compensation may be payable even if the claimant does not satisfy the DSS 20 years underground rule.

Failure to register a claim could result in the loss of many thousands of pounds that should be paid to miners and their families.

The NUM and Raleys solicitors will be at Platt Bridge Labour Club on Tuesdays August 22 and 29 from 10am to 4pm.

Register claims with the NUM Lancashire area solicitors on Freephone 0800 073 67 67.

Vibration white finger claims should be registered on 0800 073 21 01.