FAST-TRACK payments to former miners could begin as early as February, according to Government officials.

Following a court judgement last month, it is expected that tens of thousands of ex-miners will receive faster payments for lung damage if they agree to accept the results of lung function spirometry tests.

It is hoped that the long queue of claimants, which has built up over the last few years will be rapidly reduced.

The High Court ruling, by Sir Michael Turner, allows the Department of Trade and Industry to make offers to many of the 158,000 living miners who are still waiting.

The new fast-track offers will be based on average payouts during the scheme. DTI officials are working out a sliding scale of payments, which will have to be checked by independent auditors.

The separate issue of how to deal with the 253,000 claims by widows and families on behalf of deceased miners is also being considered by Sir Michael.

The DTI submitted its proposals to the High Court earlier this month but the matter has been adjourned until this Friday after requests from the claimants' solicitors group for more information.

A final ruling on how claims by the families of deceased miners can be speeded up is expected early next month. The DTI is hoping that the fast-track approach for living claimants will prove attractive to former underground workers with chronic bronchitis rather than lung damage, who could end up empty-handed if they go through a full medical.

Miners more seriously affected by years of inhaling coal dust, and whose spirometry tests show measurable lung damage, will receive a full medical assessment by a chest specialist.

Crucially, following exclusive reports that warned miners' leaders that the DTI wanted to deny many claimants access to a full medical assessment, all ex-miners will retain the right to be seen by a chest specialist.

Roger Maddocks, spokesman for Irwin Mitchell solicitors and a member of the claimants' legal team, said the fast-track process, had the potential to clear between 60,000 to 70,000 cases in the space of a year or so.

He urged claimants who have already had a spirometry test and have been invited for a full medical to take legal advice before attending because it could result in them being ineligible for a fast-track payment.