FULL COMPENSATION FOR WRONGLY DIAGNOSED CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE CLAIMANTS

That this House is concerned to learn that families of former miners who were diagnosed to be suffering with bronchitis only and paid a settlement on that basis under the Coal Health Scheme are unable to obtain further compensation when a post mortem examination reveals that the diagnosis was erroneous; notes that a number of such cases have shown former miners were suffering from extensive emphysema and other dust-related respiratory diseases; and calls on the Department of Trade and Industry to instruct their insurers to pay further compensation where there is evidence that the original settlement was based on an incorrect diagnosis.