§ Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the Government's policy is on providing compensation to those suffering from the effects of exposure to asbestos. [34274]
§ Malcolm WicksIndustrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is available for people who are 1 per cent. disabled through having contracted pneumoconiosis (including asbestosis and silicosis) or diffuse mesothelioma through their work, and to those at least 14 per cent. disabled from primary carcinoma of the lung where there is evidence of asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening. The current maximum weekly rate is £112.90. In addition, if the person1122W requires someone to look after them, constant attendance allowance, at a maximum of £90.40 a week, and exceptionally severe disablement allowance at £45.20 a week may be payable. Reduced earnings allowance is also available to compensate people, including those whose level of disablement is less than 14 per cent., who suffer a loss of earnings as a result of their disablement.
To make sure a person does not get compensation twice for the same need, benefits paid from the date of an accident or the date of claim in respect of a disease are recovered from the compensator up to the date of any final compensation payment, subject to a five year maximum. Future benefits are not taken into account. Nor are past payments inflated into present values.
As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions announced on 13 February 2002, Official Report, column 401W, additional support for people exposed to asbestos and affected by the 11 December 2001 Court of Appeal judgment in the "Fairchild" case is now available from his Department. The compensation scheme administered by DTLR under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 will be extended to make payments to these people provided they meet the conditions of eligibility.