To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when he expects to publish the Government's response to the consultation on pleural plaques; and if he will make a statement. (235485)

The Government's consultation on pleural plaques closed on 1 October, and the responses are currently being analysed. We will seek to publish a response paper outlining the way forward as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many responses he has received to the consultation on pleural plaques; how many were from (a) trades unions, (b) members of the public and (c) insurers; and if he will make a statement. (235487)

A total of 224 responses were received to the consultation paper. Of these, 125 responses were received from individuals and 30 from the legal profession. 18 responses were received from insurers and defendant organisations. There were 15 responses from trade union bodies, and 12 from Members of Parliament. Seven responses were received from employers and business organisations; four from medical professionals; four from organisations representing asbestos victims; and two from academics. In addition there were responses from a devolved administration; a non departmental public body; a constituency political party; an actuarial body; a charity for education in health and safety; a statutory public body; and a consultancy firm specialising in occupational environmental and public health risks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the consultation on pleural plaques, how many responses were in favour of (a) the status quo, (b) a compensation scheme and (c) a change in the law to permit damages claims; and if he will make a statement. (235488)

The responses to the questions contained in the consultation paper are currently being analysed. A full summary together with the Government's response will be published as soon as possible.