PENISTONE MP Michael Clapham has condemned solicitors who are taking money from compensation payments for sick miners.
Opening a debate in Parliament, Mr Clapham, who also represents Barnsley West, said many miners who contracted vibration white finger (VWF) and obstructive pulmonary disease while working in pits had received payouts under the Government's mass compensation scheme.
The deadline for claims for VWF was last year, but sufferers of mining-related respiratory problems have until the end of March to make a claim.
The Government pays the solicitors' fees but Mr Clapham said some firms were hiding this from clients and charging fees for successful claims.
Others charge an extra hourly rate for coal health work, particularly VWF claims.
Mr Clapham branded the practice "tantamount to robbery".
He said: "I think it is a disgrace that these companies are able to prey on miners and their families."
He said he was disgusted some claims handling firms were trying to profit from the former pitmen by selling claims on to solicitors.
He said: "What I do find scandalous is that solicitors and claims handling firms should seek to conspire together to exploit mining communities."
Many former colliers have died or have been left in pain and unable to work due to mining diseases.
So far, around 371,000 ex- miners or their families have claimed compensation and £1.7bn has been paid out.
Many in the Huddersfield area have submitted claims.
The MP wants the Department of Trade and Industry to tackle the problem.
He said: "Action needs to be taken immediately to obtain refunds and for the longer term they need to be regulated."
Normanton MP William O'Brien called for the solicitors to be blacklisted.
The Law Society said charging extra fees was not against the law, but solicitors should make it clear to clients if there would be fee deductions from compensation payouts.
