Good progress is being made in securing millions of pounds in compensation for former miners suffering from work-related ilnesses.

In September, the total paid out to Welsh miners topped £215m - with £142.8m on going to those with respiratory disease and £72.8m to those with vibration white finger (VWF).

I am proud of the fact that we have set aside any differences and got away from the blame culture

Wales Office minister Don Touhig

Wales Office Minister Don Touhig, who chairs the Coal Health Claims Monitoring Welsh sub-group - the body charged with charting progress - said he was pleased with the speed at which payments were being made.

"These results have been achieved by hard work and partnership," he said.

"I am proud of the fact that we have set aside any differences and got away from the blame culture.

"We are working together as a team to benefit Welsh miners and their widows."

The monitoring group includes representatives from the Wales Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Work and Pensions, the Welsh Assembly, solicitors, and the mining unions.

Group chair Don Touhig MP

In October, UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson announced that families of dead miners who suffered from vibration white finger would be given extra time to claim compensation.

He extended the deadline until 31 January, 2003.

The change came just two days before the original deadline was due to run out.

Mr Touhig said every effort would now be made to highlight awareness of the new cut-off date.

"No family which is potentially eligible for compensation under this scheme will be deprived of it through lack of knowledge and awareness," he said.

Many miners developed the condition as a result of operating or driving vibrating heavy machinery.