Mining: Compensation

Jon Trickett
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he expects the UK coal dust calculator to be implemented.

Malcolm Wicks
A recent Court Order (2007/49) sets out a timetable for the amended UK Dust Calculator to be tested and evaluated by the relevant parties. Position papers are to be served by 16 November 2007 and in the absence of such papers, the UK Coal dust model will be implemented from 19 November. If issues remain, then the resolution of all issues will be made by the Presiding Judge at the December 2007 hearing. It is the Department’s belief that there will be issues that will require the Judge’s attention in December.