A change in the law on asbestos compensation is set to be rushed through the Scottish Parliament.


It will reverse a recent ruling in the House of Lords that limited the pay-outs to former shipyard workers.

The legislation is expected to be passed on Thursday, the last day of the parliamentary term.
It is thought the move will affect more than 1,000 former shipyard workers, many of whom have developed lung cancer as a result of inhaling asbestos dust.


There was outrage earlier this year when the Law Lords ruled that there should be a compensation limit in cases involving several employers, none of whom could be specifically blamed for the onset of the fatal illness.


Bill Withdrawn


MPs in the House of Commons are to reverse that ruling in a law expected to be approved before the summer recess.

MSPs at Holyrood have also altered their business on Thursday to allow the parliament to pass a so-called Sewel motion, giving Westminster the power to bring in the change under Scots Law.


Clydebank MSP Des McNulty said he had withdrawn his own compensation bill because the Scottish Executive had promised bring in a further bill later this year that will make it easier for the families of victims who have died to also claim compensation.


Source: BBC News