A large number of people in the UK suffer from Pleural Plaques, an asbestos exposure related disease. Justice Secretary Jack Straw will be addressing the issue of compensation for victims of this disease post Easter, the Prime Minister announced during a session of the Commons. Pleural Plaques is a condition in which the victim’s lungs get scarred due to repeated exposure to asbestos.
In a former ruling by the House of Lords, it was agreed that claim for damages by the sufferers of Pleural Plaques cannot be made. Last month, however, MSPs voted in favour of a new law overturning the earlier ruling for the victims of the disease in Scotland.
In the Commons, the Prime Minister was questioned about the measures that are being taken to help several thousands of working class people in England and Wales suffering from asbestosis. Labour MP, Stephen Hepburn, who believed that the victims were being robbed of compensation by unjust court rulings, had put the question forward.
Gordon Brown answered by saying that he agreed that the disease was a dreadful one and that the responsibilities of insurance companies as per the applicable laws would be looked into. All eyes will now be on Jack Straw, who is expected to offer some relief for the unfortunate victims.
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