Suffering goes on for pleural plaque victims

The Government was last night accused of being “morally bankrupt” after it dealt a blow to hundreds of pleural plaques sufferers in Rochdale and failed to announce whether victims will be given compensation.

MPs and Unions have repeatedly called for action after a House of Lords ruled in 2007 sufferers of the disease, which can be an indicator of fatal asbestosis, were no longer entitled to compensation which had existed for more than 20 years.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw was due to announce the Government response to a consultation which ended a year ago — but instead said “further consideration” would be given to compensation and a statement made in the autumn.

He stopped short of saying no compensation would be awarded but told MPs of the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council report which rejected paying compensation.

Mr Straw attempted to silence critics by saying Government was “considering” a National Centre for Asbestos Related Disease, a register for pleural plaques suffers, faster payments for mesothelioma sufferers and the possible establishment of an Employers Liability Insurance Bureau. 

Jason Addy, spokesperson for Rochdale's Save Spodden Valley campaign, said: "The slow progress regarding asbestos related pleural plaques is frustrating but I am sure common sense and eventually prevail.

"The injustices and damage caused by asbestos has been high on our campaigning agenda with both the Prime Minister in May and our "Breathtaking Journey" cycle ride last month.
"The reception we received at Westminster demonstrates that these important asbestos issues are being heard by many MPs- from all parties.

"The need for medical research into asbestos related diseases- especially terminal cancer- is paramount. So many people who gave so much to this country in taxes have paid the ultimate price with their health and lives.

"Future exposures to asbestos must be prevented. Those who already face a "ticking timebomb" deserve respect and justice."

Paul Rowen, MP for Rochdale, commented: "The Government cannot keep delaying their decision in this area which has been pending ever since the House of Lords decision in 2007.

"At Prime Minister's questions on 12 March last year, the Prime Minister announced that there would be a consultation on how to resolve the issue. That was followed on 9 July by a written statement with the consultation, which ended on 1 October 2008. We are still awaiting the outcome of the consultation.

"We know that there is a relationship between pleural plaques and mesothelioma. When the courts dealt with these cases before 2004, they accepted that relationship. In 99% of cases, exposure has been negligent and should be compensated by employers."

Labour MP Terry Rooney, who has campaigned against the decision, said: “This is absolutely inexcusable. It is a betrayal of working class people.

It is morally bankrupt, it is about time we dealt with it in a humane and positive way.

“It is scandalous — moral cowardice. This is not about an argument between different medical professionals. It is about what is right and proper — these people should be compensated so why do we not just get on and do it.

“It is not these peoples’ fault they are in this condition. If Jack Straw thinks this is a benign situation, let’s transplant pleural plaques on to his lungs and see how he likes it.”

Construction union UCATT gave a cautious welcome to the delay over compensation. Alan Ritchie, general secretary, said: “While a further delay is frustrating, it is preferable that the Government make a fully informed decision.

“It is imperative that the Government utilises the latest delay to fully assess the new medical evidence. UCATT will be making representations to the Government to ensure this occurs.”

MPs told Mr Straw of new medical evidence on physical pain experienced by pleural plaques sufferers. He said he would be “delighted to examine fresh medical evidence”.

To add insult to injury, compensation will still be available in Scotland where the Edinburgh Parliament has overturned the shock Law Lords ruling.

Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos, often from working in shipyards, coal mines or on building sites.