Commenting on the Scottish Government’s decision to introduce legislation to reverse the House of Lords recent ruling on pleural plaques, Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s Director General, said:

“Insurers are fully committed to paying compensation to claimants who suffer from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The House of Lords ruled that pleural plaques should not attract compensation because they create no symptoms and have no effect on health. The Scottish Government recognises that plaques are benign and do not cause or develop into a more serious asbestos-related condition.

“Introducing in Scotland legislation to overturn a unanimous Law Lords ruling is a serious step. It could significantly increase costs for Scottish businesses and impact on the cost of insurance.”

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Notes

1.            Enquiries to:       

         Alan Leaman    020 7216 7440 (Mobile: 07957 482 330)

         Malcolm Tarling    020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)

         Jonathan French   020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)

         Erfan Hussain       020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)

         Kelly Ostler        020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2.      Pleural plaques are small fibrous disks on the inside of the chest. They indicate exposure to asbestos, but are not a disease and are symptomless. They do not develop into other conditions, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

3.      The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400  member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.