Industrial Disease - Latest News 21 November 2008

Renewed calls for plural plaques rethink- 09/04/2008[top]

There have been renewed calls for the government to intervene after the Law Lords decided to scrap compensation for the sufferers of the lung condition of plural plaques, caused by asbestos inhalation.

Law firms have joined the growing group that opposes the decision, with Gordon Brown having held talks with MPs who also contest the ruling.

The prime minister responded to a question in the House of Commons by pledging to do more to help the victims of asbestos-related diseases.

He said: "All of us who have seen the effects [asbestos and mesothelioma] cause know that we have to do more to help the victims of those diseases.

"On pleural plaques, we are looking at the matter at this very moment. We will publish a consultation document soon. We are determined to take some action."

The Law Lords made a unanimous ruling in October last year, depriving many ex-workers who have suffered the effects of exposure to asbestos the chance to claim compensation after being diagnosed with plural plaques.

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