Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Stephen Hepburn (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 12 March 2008 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: The Prime Minister will be aware of the disgraceful plight of pleural plaque sufferers in this country, who are being denied their rightful claim to compensation by the courts. Does he agree that it does not matter how the issue is dressed up: pleural plaques are a working-class industrial injury caused by negligent exposure to asbestos? Will he meet the group of MPs who have been campaigning on the issue, so that we can bring an end to this dreadful, Victorian scandal?

Answer: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the House of Lords judgment, which now has to be answered. Asbestosis and mesothelioma are terrible diseases, and all of us who have seen the effects that they 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, and I am very happy to meet his delegation.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 473 c276
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Compensation: Pleural Plaque
Monday, 21 April 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Compensation Industrial diseases Pleural plaques
Link: View this Prime Minister's question on www.publications.parliament.uk