14th March 2007
For immediate release
 
John Healey MP welcomes new hope for mesothelioma sufferers in Rotherham
 
John Healey MP today welcomed new government proposals to provide faster compensation to people diagnosed with mesothelioma.
 
Currently only people who contract the disease from exposure to asbestos at work are eligible to claim a lump sum from the state. The new proposals would provide up-front financial support (within six weeks) to people who were previously not eligible, including those who were:
 
·        exposed to asbestos from a relative (e.g. from their overalls);
 
·        exposed to asbestos environmentally (e.g. lived near a factory using asbestos);
 
·        self-employed; and
 
·        those who can’t trace their exposure to asbestos.
 
Mr Healey said:
“It is very good news that the government has committed to speed up compensation for sufferers of mesothelioma, especially in a former heavy industry area like ours."
 
He went on to say:
"Mesothelioma is a dreadful disease that can devastate lives. Currently too many people die before they get compensation, or they find they aren’t eligible because they contracted the disease from living near a factory or being exposed to a relative who worked there, rather than working at the factory themselves. That is an awful injustice, so I welcome the government’s commitment to get legislation through Parliament so everyone with mesothelioma can claim, irrespective of their employment history.”
 
 - ENDS -
 
Notes to Editors:
 
1 - For further information please contact Joanne Wilson, Researcher to John Healey MP on Tel (01709) 512463
 
2 - For more information on mesothelioma visit the Cancer Research UK website:
 
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4388

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