A fresh call has been made for North-East mine workers to be given the surplus in their pension fund.

It has been estimated £3.5bn is awaiting payment into Treasury coffers - cash built up during the 1990s when the two miners' pension schemes performed well.

The Government agreed to underwrite the Mineworkers Pension Scheme, covering miners, and the British Coal Superannuation Scheme, paid into by other staff, in 1994, when it privatised the industry.

The aim was to safeguard any shortfalls, but they exceeded expectations and large reserves were built up, which many believe should go to pitmen, not Whitehall.

Anne Picking MP told a Westminster debate that she believed the Government could be acting unlawfully.

"It's time to stop patronising these proud people and give them their money," she told MPs, adding: "They feel that they have been short-changed and their money stolen from them."

Talks between the pension funds trustees and the Government to formulate changes to the agreement have been delayed after the South Wales branch of pit deputies union NACODS sought a judicial review of the Government's handling of one scheme.

Energy Minister Brian Wilson told the debate that, while all around there was dismay about the security of pension funds, in the case of mine workers they have a guarantee that they had paid for.