HC Deb 02 December 1997 vol 302 cc201-2W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many United Kingdom civilians employed in war-related work have received war pensions for asbestosis since 1967; and what factors led to their award. [16714]

Mr. Denham

The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

It is unlikely that any award of War Pension in respect of asbestosis has been made to any civilian. However, a civilian may be entitled to a war pension if he was disabled as a result of his work as a member of a civil defence organisation or under the other provisions of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme.

Broadly, under those other provisions, an award of war pension may be made where disablement is caused either by enemy action or by action taken to combat or repel an imagined attack by the enemy during World War Two.

Compensation might be available under the industrial injuries scheme, via an employer's liability insurance or, for an ex-civilian employee of the Ministry of Defence, from that Department.

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