A letter-writing campaign by editor Gerry Keighley also attracted a reply from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Argus is calling on the Government to cut delays in the procedure for paying compensation to sick and dying ex-miners and their widows.

Strict assessments for the claims means red tape is holding up the cash – and many miners are dying before receiving any of the cash they are due.

There are 20,000 outstanding claims and the Argus’ work has struck a chord with politicians at all levels.

The high profile miners campaign has been given a renewed push after the Argus declared the last 12 months “A wasted year”.

The editor penned a hard-hitting editorial column and followed it up with letters to dozens of politicians and influential people around Wales.

He wanted people to write to energy minister Helen Liddell backing the cause.

AM Peter Law wrote to the paper saying: “I feel that the time has now come for a gesture to be made in support of the ex-miners who have, for so many years, given so much to the country.”

AM Peter Black said: “It is appalling that ex-miners are having to wait so long for compensation to be granted and I agree that a payment of £10,000 should be granted now rather than later.”

A letter from Tony Blair’s office confirmed he would investigate the matter and send his reply as soon as possible.

And AM Ron Davies wrote: “I am writing again to Helen Liddell, drawing her attention to your campaign and urging her to take immediate and robust action to put a stop to the unnecessary delays.”

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