MSP URGES CAMERON TO ACT ON PLEURAL PLAQUES COMPENSATION

MSP URGES CAMERON TO ACT ON PLEURAL PLAQUES COMPENSATION

Stuart McMillan MSP has today written to the new Prime Minister David Cameron to highlight the issue of pleural plaques.

In his letter, SNP MSP for the West of Scotland Mr McMillan raises his concerns about the lack of action by the previous UK Government to bring forward legislation to overturn a House of Lords ruling against compensating sufferers of pleural plaques.

That decision was overturned in Scotland when MSPs passed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill in 2009.

Mr McMillan said:

"I was extremely disappointed by the inaction of the previous UK Government and former Justice Secretary, in particular, for not following the Scottish Parliament's lead and overturning the House of Lords decision not to compensate sufferers of pleural plaques.

"The Scottish Parliament has led by example and ensured that sufferers of pleural plaques will receive the compensation which they rightfully deserve.

" I am anxious to know what action the new Prime Minister will take to compensate sufferers of pleural plaques in the rest of the UK and give them the same justice which has been granted in Scotland.

"I hope this new Government will not follow the previous lot's example and delay and stall over compensating pleural plaque sufferers and instead move quickly to give them the compensation they deserve."