§ Mr. SwireTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department will review the disabled pension paid to ex-Naval servicemen suffering lung problems resulting from asbestos insulation in ships. [147851]
§ Mr. CaplinEx-Naval servicemen suffering as a result of their service from lung problems resulting from asbestos insulation in ships have the same entitlement to disablement pensions as any other ex-Servicemen suffering from injury or illness due to service. We have no plan to change these entitlements retrospectively. The House will be aware that for the future we have recognised the need to review our arrangements to bring them into line with modern good practice as part of the Armed Forces Pensions and Compensation Bill currently before the House.