§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information the Government collect about the number of people suffering from mesothelioma; and what action the Government have taken to support and compensate all victims.
§ Mr. ScottThe Health and Safety Executive collects figures from death certificates mentioning mesothelioma and the Department keeps records of the number of industrial injuries claims made for this disease. Industrial injuries benefit and war disablement pensions can be awarded to claimants with mesothelioma and additional benefits can be paid depending on other needs. In addition, the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 provides some measure of compensation to those people or their dependants who cannot sue their employer because he has gone out of business.