§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation is available to former service personnel for work-related asbestosis. [124988]
§ Mr. SpellarCompensation arrangements for Service personnel and former Service personnel who suffer illness as a consequence of exposure to asbestos are the same as for those killed or injured or who develop a disease from any other cause attributable to their service. Service personnel were, however, prevented by Section 10 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947 from suing for compensation until 15 May 1987 when The Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987 repealed Section 10. Since then Service personnel have, like any other employee, been entitled to sue the Ministry of Defence for compensation where they have suffered as a result of the Department's negligence. The repeal of Section 10 was not made retrospective. The War Pensions Agency pays compensation to former Service personnel for illness caused before the repeal of Section 10, in the form of a war pension and other allowances.