HC Deb 07 November 1995 vol 265 cc663-4W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to review the recent court case on asbestos injury; and what assessment he has made of the effect the court case will have on the claims from ex-service personnel who had contact with asbestos during their military service. [41850]

Mr. Soames

Any former service personnel suffering an illness as a result of exposure to asbestos dust during their time in the armed forces is eligible for a war pension. However, where the exposure to asbestos dust occurred in service prior to May 1987, section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947 precludes payment of common law compensation for resultant illness. Following repeal of section 10 of this Act, compensation may he paid if exposure occurred after May 1987. The recent court case referred to has not altered this position.