BEREAVEMENT PAYMENTS

Early day motion 1315, tabled 20 April 2007 by David Anderson (Labour). Signed by 61 members.

That this House notes with concern the unacceptable difference between bereavement payments paid to families of those who have died of asbestos related diseases in Scotland compared with England and Wales; recognises that the difference is because of the fact that in Scotland individual cases are decided in court, whilst in England and Wales they are capped under the terms of the Fatal Accident Act 1976; realises that the compensation paid can be as much as seven times greater in Scotland; understands that the compensation in England and Wales is limited to surviving spouses, whilst in Scotland it is paid, quite rightly, to wider family members; and urges the Government to act swiftly to ensure that those suffering from this deadly disease have the same rights in England and Wales as they do in Scotland, including the right to settle their claim for full compensation during their own lifetime.

Signatures by party: Labour 48, Liberal Democrat 6, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.