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Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2008

I thank my noble friend for that question. I shall try to make sure that he gets an answer by the time that we have finished these proceedings. I was referring to the Child Maintenance and Other Payments Bill, and explaining that it provides support for the first time to people who have not contracted mesothelioma as a result of their work. I expect that new scheme to be operative later this year. Our intention is that payments under the scheme will be made within six weeks of the date of claim. That ensures, as far as we can, that the sufferers get some payment during their life. Where that is not possible it will at least provide monetary compensation for their dependants. Finally—I know we all agree here—no amount of money will ever compensate these sufferers or their families. However, these regulations help us to ensure that the compensation provided in the original Act maintains its value. I commend the uprating of the payment scales to Members of the Committee, and will deal with the specific point raised by my noble friend and other comments made when I wind up. I beg to move. Moved, That the Grand Committee do report to the House that it has considered the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) (Payment of Claims) (Amendment) Regulations 2008. 7th Report from the Joint Committee on Statutory Instruments.—(Lord McKenzie of Luton.)