Construction union UCATT have expressed concern at the delay of the Ministry of Justice to announce their plans about what they intend to do on pleural plaques.

Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos. Victims experience some physical symptoms but severe mental problems. Pleural plaques sufferers have a greatly increased chance of developing the incurable lung cancer mesothelioma.

In October 2007 the Law Lords overturned 30 years of common law when they ruled that pleural plaques should no longer be compensable. Initially the Government accepted the decision.

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The case to deny pleural plaque victims compensation was brought by the insurance industry. It is estimated that they will save in excess of £1 billion if the ban on compensation is not lifted.

Following a concerted campaign including unions and asbestos campaigners and led by UCATT, the Government launched a consultation about a way forward on the matter. UCATT have campaigned for the Law Lords decision to be completely overturned.

The Government's consultation closed in early October. Two months later there has been no announcement of the Government's plans on the matter. It is understood that an announcement is not imminent.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "We are becoming concerned that the Government has not yet set out a way forward on this issue which is vital for so many of my members. I hope that the delay is due to the Government making the detailed changes needed to bring forward a Bill to overturn the Law Lords decision."

(CD/JM)