Compensation for the condition of pleural plaques, commonly described as scarring on the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, has not been payable since the House of Lords gave their Judgment in a series of test cases towards the end of 2007.

During the course of 2008 the Government indicated that they would review that position and issued a consultation to consider whether compensation should be introduced again, by an Act of Parliament. The consultation closed in October 2008 but as yet the Government have not announced their intentions.

We hope to hear the decision before Parliament breaks for the Summer recess but it is still not too late to contact your local Member of Parliament and encourage them to put pressure on the Government.

In Scotland the Parliament has passed an Act to overturn that decision of the House of Lords and introduce compensation again. However, even with that step the situation remains uncertain as a number of leading insurers have lodged a judicial review against the Act.