Ministerial support for asbestos campaigners
16 May 06
Deputy Justice Minister hopes to help families facing compensation choice
The Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry has promised asbestos campaigners that he will see if a change to the law over claiming compensation can be made before next year's Scottish Parliament elections.
At a meeting yesterday representatives from Clydeside Action pressed Mr Henry to make it possible for the victims of mesothelioma to accept compensation before they die without this excluding a subsequent claim by their families.
As the law stands, victims and their families have to choose one or other option, with victims often accepting a reduced settlement figure in order to enjoy some personal benefit.
Mr Henry said he take the group's "powerful arguments" to his ministerial colleagues and that he hoped they would be able to make time to enact the necessary legislation. However, he warned of the heavy programme facing the Parliament between now and the elections next May.