The Newcastle Evening Chronicle has been praised by a Government minister for its campaign to stop lawyers claiming cash from former North East miners.

DTI minister Nigel Griffiths was speaking in a special debate on the handling of coal health claims by solicitors.

Durham North MP Kevan Jones and several other MPs had complained that solicitors’ firms were charging fees which had already been paid by the Government.

During the debate the minister also commended the Chronicle for its “most courageous and focused” reporting of the issue.

Kevan Jones had told the house there were many constituents of his who “have had compensation rightfully theirs plundered by those in whom they had put their trust to represent their best interests”.

In reply, Mr Griffiths said: “I congratulate the Chronicle on their very tough campaign along with Kevan Jones which has now started to get results.

“There was no justification for solicitors charging their fees and the Chronicle has been at the forefront of getting justice for former miners and their families.”

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