To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the likely impact of the House of Lords judgment in the case of Barker v. Corus UK Ltd. on future plans for public expenditure in respect of compensation payments for those suffering from mesothelioma. (75767)

Mesothelioma cancer is a terrible disease that afflicts many families in this country. The disease can manifest many years after exposure, and once diagnosed the individual’s condition can rapidly deteriorate. In acknowledging the acute distress that this disease places upon families, the Government recognise the need for compensation to be paid in a timely manner.

In light of this the Government have been examining the implications for all those affected by the recent Law Lords ruling. The Prime Minister announced on 21 June that we have decided to amend the Compensation Bill. Officials in DCA are working at this moment to develop the right clause for the Bill.