Fury over asbestos delay

Asbestos victims are furious after Justice Minister Jack Straw delayed a decision on compensation for pleural plaques sufferers.

Victims of the disease - which causes scarring on the lungs after exposure to asbestos fibres - have fought a long campaign for compensation and were expecting a decision this week.

But Straw told the Commons yesterday: "On 30 June, the government published to the House two reports on the medical aspects of pleural plaques, one from the chief medical officer’s expert adviser and a second from the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council. The Government will give further consideration to the issue of compensation for people diagnosed with pleural plaques before publishing a final response after the recess."

A spokesman for the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum said: "This further delay, which will cause dismay and distress to asbestos victims, can only be justified if it leads to a return to compensation for pleural plaques sufferers. The government still has an opportunity to agree a just settlement. To do otherwise after hopes have been raised and then dashed so many times would be intolerable.” 

John Allen, diagnosed with pleural plaques, said: "My friend is dying from mesothelioma and my past work colleagues have suffered from asbestos disease. The asbestos fibres lodged in my lungs, causing pleural plaques, signal a heightened risk that I too may suffer serious consequences. I have to accept that and live with that every day. This must be the last delay in providing proper compensation to asbestos victims."