RESTORING THE RIGHTS OF PLEURAL PLAQUE SUFFERERS

Early day motion 2258, tabled 9 November 2009 by Michael Clapham (Labour). Signed by 75 members.

That this House accepts expert evidence that pleural plaques represent a change to the anatomy of the sufferer evidenced by the abnormal scarring caused by the permanent physical penetration of asbestos fibres; believes the Law Lords ruling that physiological damage as well as anatomical damage is necessary for an injury to constitute actionable damage is clearly inconsistent with other areas of personal injury; notes that many sufferers of the condition would receive compensation if the scarring was on the outside of the body; and calls on the Secretary of State for Justice to restore the status quo ante to allay the strong sense of injustice felt by sufferers who have sustained asbestos exposure through their employers' negligence and have been unable to proceed with a court action since the Law Lords decision of October 2007.

Signatures by party: Labour 64, Liberal Democrat 6, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.