Miner launches test case

A Welsh ex-miner who claims his health was ruined by coal dust yesterday took on British Coal in a test case which could cost the Government millions.

Alf Griffiths, 52, is among eight former pitmen and widows taking action in what is set to become one of the biggest personal injury cases in legal history. Backed by the pit deputies union, Nacods, the group is seeking to widen the coal industry's compensation system to include chest illnesses like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. An estimated 55,000 other ex-miners in poor health stand to benefit.