ABI: Pleural plaques bill flies in the face of common sense

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Tuesday, 24, Jun 2008 12:00

Responding to publication today of the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill, Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance and Health at the ABI, said:

“There is medical agreement, as today’s Bill confirms, that pleural plaques are symptomless, do not impact on a person’s health and do not develop into asbestos-related diseases. To compensate for pleural plaques would fly in the face of accepted medical opinion, the Law Lords ruling and common sense.

“This Bill doesn’t respond to the anxieties people have about pleural plaques. Instead of legislation the Government should be leading an education campaign to reassure those with plaques.

“The Scottish Parliament must now scrutinise this proposal very carefully. It risks considerable damage to the Scottish economy and imposing a significant cost on the Scottish taxpayer.”

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Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:

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

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

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

2. 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.

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