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date: 21 July 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC reaction to Pleural Plaques announcement

Following exchanges on Pleural Plaques between Jack Straw, Secretary of state at the Ministry of Justice and back-bench MPs in the House of Commons today (Tuesday) TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'We welcome the news that the Government is looking to support research into asbestos-related diseases.

'While the priority is to prevent exposure to asbestos, where exposure has occurred we need far more research to prevent people developing diseases, and better treatment for those who have become ill. The TUC wants to see a national centre set up for research into asbestos-related diseases.

'The announcement to look further at ways of tracing insurers is welcome, but the Government needs to set up a system for workers who cannot trace their employer's insurer to ensure they still get full compensation.

'However, we are concerned that the Government is not announcing a reversal of the House of Lords ruling on compensation for those with Pleural Plaques, but we hope ministers will use the summer recess to ensure the law in England and Wales is brought in line with that in Scotland.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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Press release (400 words) issued 21 Jul 2009