To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether (a) his Department and its predecessor and (b) its agencies have made payments to Flint Bishop solicitors since 1997. (151375)

A total of £19,944.30 has been paid to Flint Bishop & Barnett solicitors between 4 April 2000 and 1 September 2004 in respect of coal health claims.

Central records indicate that no other payments have been made.

I have asked the Chief Executives of the Executive Agencies to respond directly to the hon. Member.

Further information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.