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Compensation Bill [Lords]

The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. Officials are working on that issue, virtually as we speak. He is right about the effect on the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, and indeed on the Policyholders Protection Act 1997. We are not changing liability under that scheme, but we will make sure that people are properly covered and that FSMA, as it is affectionately known, is used properly. Work on that is going on now. Later, I hope to show that people can receive compensation even before the regulations are made, and that the money can be drawn back later by the people who pay it. I hope that I have given the hon. Gentleman reassurance. I want to deal with the detail of the amendments, and I hope that the explanatory note that has been provided will be of assistance. New clause 13 provides that where a person"““has negligently or in breach of statutory duty caused or permitted another person…to be exposed to asbestos,””" and"““the victim has contracted mesothelioma as a result””," the negligent person will be jointly and severally liable. That will enable the claimant to recover full compensation from any responsible person, and will also apply to claims made by the claimant’s estate or dependants when the claimant has not made or resolved a claim prior to his death.