MSP tables bill for asbestos victims
19 May 06
Des McNulty aims to address twin problems for sufferers claiming compensation
The Clydebank and Milngavie MSP Des McNulty is promoting a member's bill in the Scottish Parliament Holyrood aimed at improving the prospects of compensation for those suffering from asbestos-related diseases and their families.
The bill will try to address the anomaly where victims of the workplace-related lung cancer mesothelioma must decide whether to settle their claim for compensation in order to enjoy the benefit before they die, or leave their families to pursue the claim after their death, when the claim may have a higher value.
Mr McNulty said six people died every day of mesothelioma and his bill would avoid victims being placed in this dilemma and enable them to make use of the court procedures put in place to help speed up settlements.
The bill will also aim to avoid the recent House of Lords ruling in an English appeal which had the effect of limiting the compensation payable by an individual employer where a claimant had been exposed to asbestos while working for successive employers.
The MSP said he had received broad support for his bill from ministers and that he had received offers of drafting help from the Executive and from lawyers who supported its aims. He called for other legislation to be postponed if necessary to make way for the bill.