New pay-out hope for sufferers

Sufferers with pleural plaques — which can lead to a deadly asbestos-related cancer — may get Government help to get compensation.

Last year the House of Lords ended the right to damages for people diagnosed with pleural plaques a condition which leaves them with breathing and mobility problems.

But now a trade union lawyer has persuaded the Government to review the Lord’s decision, with a 12-week inquiry which will report on October 1.

The inquiry has been welcomed by Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher, who has been fighting to get the decision overturned.

He said: “I have several people who have approached me about pleural plaques.

“As is the case with exposure to asbestos, it happened some time ago.

“This is pretty good news for them, and extremely welcome. I do think the original decision by the Lords was perverse and difficult to defend.

“I think we can have reasonable hope and expectation.”