SNP MSP LOOKS FORWARD TO PASSING OF ASBESTOS COMPENSATION BILL.

SNP MSP LOOKS FORWARD TO PASSING OF ASBESTOS COMPENSATION BILL. Commenting before tomorrow’s final stage of the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill SNP MSP Stuart McMillan (West of Scotland) said he looked forward to the passing of the Bill which would ensure people with certain asbestos diseases can take employers to court for negligently exposing them to asbestos. The Bill, which has seen overwhelming support so far throughout its Parliamentary process would seek to protect those sufferers from a House of Lords judgement south of the border which would deny them taking such action. Mr McMillan, who secured a Parliamentary debate on the issue on 7th November 2007, said; "I am looking forward to the debate in Parliament this Wednesday and to see the Damages Bill hopefully being passed overwhelmingly by the Parliament. "This decision by the House of Lords has caused a great amount of anger and dismay in the west of Scotland communities where people have been affected by this condition for doing nothing more than earning an honest wage. "As someone whose family members have worked in the shipyards I am pleased that an issue of justice and peoples' health is being so overwhelmingly backed by Scottish Parliamentarians. "I had my first member’s debate in the Scottish Parliament in 2007 on the issue of the House of Lords decision to prevent victims from obtaining justice. "With the Scottish Government bringing forward this important piece of legislation, which I have been heavily involved in from the outset, they have listened to the victims, campaigners and politicians and they deserve credit for that.” "I would like to commend and congratulate the campaign groups from Clydeside and Clydebank for their efforts throughout the Bill’s progress. Their dedication in working to bring justice to victims of asbestos related conditions is second to none. "I am glad to see this Bill coming to fruition and look forward to justice in Scotland once again prevailing on Wednesday evening. I hope the Westminster Government follow Scotland's lead and act to provide justice for the other nations in the UK. It is the least they can do to deal with the industrial legacy.”