THERE is no doubt that The Northern Echo has stirred up quite a hornets' nest with its revelations in recent weeks that ministers were seeking to change procedures for paying miners compensation for lung diseases.

We make no apology for doing so because it is an issue which goes to the heart of the debt of honour this country has to the men who sacrificed their health while serving in atrocious conditions underground.

And we are pleased to be able to report today that the Government has listened to the strong concerns about its proposals and changed tack.

There is no question that the system of payments needs to be speeded up. Although it must be acknowledged that the worst cases have been dealt with as a priority, far too many legitimate claims are being strangled by red tape. For some, the compensation comes too late.

But while speed is crucial, denying tens of thousands of men their right to full medical assessments, and effectively removing them from the queue, was an unfair way of achieving greater efficiency.

Until The Northern Echo sounded the alert at the end of last month, MPs representing ex-miners did not know what ministers had in mind.

Yesterday's "clear the air" meeting with Coal Health Minister Nigel Griffiths served the purpose of ensuring that all voices in the miners' fight for justice were properly heard.

What we need now is for all concerned parties to join forces to find a way forward which strikes a balance between speed and fairness.