Still waiting for decision on asbestos

GOVERNMENT must immediately announce whether it intends to compensate Oldham victims of pleural plaques — or face having a different law in Scotland tomorrow, it has been claimed.

Insurance firms — facing a potential £1bn payout — won a Law Lords ruling in 2007 that they were not liable because pleural plaques had no symptoms and was, therefore, not a disease.

The decision has caused uproar in Westminster among MPs who have demanded Government overturn the decision.

Tomorrow the Scottish Parliament will pass a bill restoring payouts for sufferers while English sufferers are left in limbo awaiting the Government announcement.

Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Victims suffer some physical symptoms but can also experience severe mental distress. Victims also have a greatly increased risk of developing the incurable lung disease mesothelioma.

Barnsley West and Penistone MP Michael Clapham, who is leading the campaign, said he hoped to speak with Justice Secretary Jack Straw.

He added: “We are waiting for a speedy decision. We were told it would be shortly and I would expect it in the next couple of days.

Despite a government consultation ending more than five months ago, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) last night confirmed there is still no date set for when the Government will respond.

A MoJ spokesperson said: “The consultation closed on October 1 and has generated a large number of responses.

“We are carefully analysing all the submissions received, many of which are detailed and complex.

“We will seek to publish a response paper outlining the way forward as soon as possible.”