Scots rule to allow asbestos compensation

Published on Mon 31 Mar 2008

Legislation to allow compensation for Scottish pleural plaque sufferers will be extended to include asymptomatic asbestosis and pleural thickening, reports The Herald.

In November 2007 the Scottish Executive announced it would overrule a House of Lords decision to cease compensation for those suffering from pleural plaques. Pleural thickening and asbestosis have been included in the Scottish legislation to avoid too narrow an interpretation of the law.

Harry McCluskey, secretary of Clydeside Action on Asbestos, said:

"We are delighted with the news that the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill will incorporate pleural thickening and asbestosis within the pleural plaque bill.

"This will allow those people with any asbestos related disease to continue to have the legal right to pursue civil damages."