AN inquiry into the Department of Trade and Industry's handling of the multi-million pound compensation scheme for former miners is now set to report its findings next month.

It was expected it would reach its conclusions by the end of this month, but last night a department spokes-man said there had been some delays and that next month was more realistic.

In July, Coal Health Claims Minister Malcolm Wicks said there would be an external review of the department's handling of the former British Coal health schemes for lung disease and Vibration White Finger (VWF) sufferers.

He said the review would identify measures needed to improve its administration and consider whether there are adequate measures in place to tackle fraud, while ensuring the fair and timely settlement of claims.

Latest figures show that £1.5bn has been paid to former miners and their families who made lung claims and £1.2bn to VWF sufferers.

In the North-East, 122,790 lung claims have been received, with more than £411m paid out. For VWF, 45,677 claims have been lodged and £345m paid.

Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, where £28m has been paid out, said he was continuing to urge constituents to get in touch with his office if they had difficulty claiming.

Mr Jones, who recently held an advice surgery in Stanley on the subject, said: "If any ex-miner or relative of an ex-miner in my constituency is having any difficulties with an ongoing claim, I am here to assist."