§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many claims from former employees of the British Rail Engineering Ltd. York carriageworks for compensation for contracting an asbestos-related disease have been(a) settled and (b) submitted since 14 October 1996; what is the average amount of compensation per case paid to date in final settlements; which body will be responsible for considering other claims in the future; and what financial provision will be made by his Department to enable compensation to be paid. [16618]
§ Mr. WattsSince 14 October 1996, there have been two claims settled and two claims submitted by former BREL York employees for compensation for contracting an asbestos-related disease. The average amount of compensation per case settled to date is £36,818.
A single, industry-owned, claims-handling agency, Railway Claims Ltd., has handled compensation matters for the railway industry since April 1994 and will consider future claims.
In accordance with a minute laid before the House on 7 June 1996, the Government will ensure that adequate funds will continue to be made available to meet any 52W financial obligations arising from the British Railways Board's present or future liabilities, or liabilities arising out of past transactions, events and circumstances.