§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many victims of asbestos-related diseases have had benefits recouped under the compensation recovery unit powers following successful claims for damages against an employer or other party.
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is a matter for Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available:
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Andrew Mackinlay, dated 22 November 1994:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many victims of asbestos related diseases have had benefits recouped under the Compensation Recovery Scheme.The full range of information you have requested is not available. The Compensation Recovery Unit's computer system records cases involving victims of asbestosis rather than asbestosis related diseases. In addition, information relating to cases settled prior to January 1993 is no longer held on the computer system and could only be obtained at a disproportionate cost.However, I am able to tell you that there have been recoveries in 171 cases involving victims of asbestosis where final settlement was made after January 1993.I hope you find this reply helpful.