LEIGH MP Lawrence Cunliffe has stepped up pressure on the Government to stop blocking extra compensation for former miners suffering from lung disease. The former pit engineer has signed a Commons motion calling for action on a report of experts which called for extra cash. Benefits of up to £100 a week were introduced three years ago for retired pitmen with chronic bronchitis and emphysema - but few miners qualified.

A panel of experts recommended relaxing the strict rules governing payment of the benefits in April.

But the report by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council has been on social security secretary Peter Lilley's desk ever since.

A group of 36 MPs, including Leigh's Mr Cunliffe, has tabled a Commons motion calling on the Government to implement the report without further delay.

It is understood that Chancellor Ken Clarke is worried about the £35m a year cost of implementing the recommendations.

The move comes after eight miners and their relatives launched High Court actions for damages against British Coal.

A Department of Social Security spokesman said: "Ministers are still actively considering the report. We hope to reached a decision as soon as possible."

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