MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION

Early day motion 557, tabled 11 December 2001 by Michael Clapham (Labour). Signed by 97 members.

That this House is gravely concerned about the implications for asbestos-induced mesothelioma sufferers and their families by a recent Court of Appeal judgement that a claimant cannot recover damages if he was exposed to asbestos by more than one employer on the grounds that it is not possible to say which one was to blame, ending a situation of joining defendants and apportioning liability accordingly that has lasted for more than 20 years; is further concerned that the judgement directs that claimants may have a claim under the Pneumoconiosis (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979, costing the Exchequer tens of millions of pounds each year, and creating conditions for the insurance industry to escape its responsibility; and calls for this injustice to be righted by legislation if necessary.

Signatures by party: Labour 73, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 5, UUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, DUP 1.