Miners rush to helplines

TELEPHONE advice lines for miners with lung diseases were yesterday jammed with hundreds of callers, following Friday's court ruling that they could claim compensation from the Government, writes Keith Nuthall.

It is thought that more than 2,800 inquiries have already been made, deepening fears that the taxpayer could be forced to foot a bill of around pounds 1bn. Claims would be based on a landmark decision by Judge Mr Justice Turner, who announced that six former miners should be paid between pounds 3,200 and pounds 10,500 for pain and suffering. His decision could spark legal action from more than 100,000 former pit workers whose health was ruined by inhaling dust.

One of the helplines - run by law firm Thompsons - received 500 calls on Friday and more than 800 on Saturday. A spokesman said: "We have eight staff manning the lines and they are rushed off their feet."

Two-Ten Communications, which is running another helpline, said it had received more than 1,500 calls.

Families of miners who died of chronic bronchitis and emphysema may also be able to claim.