THE Government was last night accused of going back on promises made to widows and the families of pitmen struck down by lung disease.

Former Energy Minister Peter Hain promised in March that widows would receive an interim payment of £2,000 before their husband's claims were assessed.

This was aimed at recognising their suffering and helping many women who are struggling financially.

Mining campaigners say that this promise - made at a public meeting in Murton, County Durham - has not been kept in many cases.

Peter Hain has since moved from his post as Energy Minister in a reshuffle following the General Election, and has been replaced by Brian Wilson.

Mr Wilson, on a visit to Wales yesterday, pledged to continue to "seek out every blockage and remove every unnecessary delay" in the compensation process.

He has now become the focus of attacks from frustrated claimants who say he is merely repeating an old message.

Carol Wilson, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has been dealing with her late father John's claim on behalf of her mother Martha.

Mr Wilson died 11 years ago from lung disease after 42 years working down the pits.

They have been waiting for their £2,000 interim payment which is yet to arrive, despite claims that "cheques are coming in".

Campaigner Pat Daglish, who has battled tirelessly for claimants and their families, said: "Some people are ringing me saying they are no further forward.

"We thought we were told we'd receive the £2,000 within 28 days from when it was announced."

Ms Daglish said: "Brian Wilson just says the same things as Helen Liddell and Peter Hain before him."

Last night, the Department of Trade and Industry released a statement from Brian Wilson, who repeated that £1m a day was being paid to coal dust claimants.

He said: "I want to keep cash going out fast and also in the fairest way possible."

Overall in the North-East, about 20,000 claims for respiratory diseases caused by coal dust have been lodged ,with about £20m having been paid out.

Read more about campaigning miners here.