FORMER miners across East Lancashire today welcomed news that a High Court in Manchester is set to decide compensation claims for a crippling industrial disease.

Thousands of ex-miners have lost the full use of their hands because of the industrial injury vibration white finger (VWF). Today they expected to hear how much compensation they will receive under a settlement package which could total £500 million.

Former Burnley branch president and Hapton Valley miner Alan Chadwick, of Middlesex Avenue, Burnley, who still works on a voluntary basis to help fellow miners, said: "I know of people who are still pursuing compensation claims and of many people who had their claims refused.

"News that these claims are to be settled will give the miners who have not been successful a bit of hope to possibly renew their claim."

More than 40,000 miners from across the country who suffer from VWF have registered claims and expect to receive up to tens of thousands of pounds each.

Legal action first started in 1991 against the former British Coal and the case was inherited by the present Government when it took office in 1997. Lengthy negotiations have been held between the Department of Trade and Industry and lawyers acting for the miners. The final agreement was expected to be announced at Manchester High Court today. The Court of Appeal had previously ruled that British Coal should have taken steps to prevent miners contracting the condition, which is caused by prolonged exposure to vibration from machine tools.

VWF affects blood circulation and function of the hands and sufferers find it difficult to pick up small objects or undo buttons.

Mr Chadwick received about £3,000 compensation for VWF seven years ago, but he said he knows of many former miners who changed career and were struggling to get the authority to recognise their VWF was as a result of working in the mines.

Energy minister John Battle welcomed the compensation settlement, saying: "This promises to be a good start to the year for 40,000 ex-miners and their families. Since negotiations began I have emphasised to all those involved the importance of getting a settlement.

"With agreement the uncertainty for ex-miners with this distressing condition can end. They can look forward to fair compensation."

Mr Battle said the settlement would pave the way for a similar deal in separate cases of ex-miners suffering from chronic bronchitis.

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