Pleural plaques Bill passes

The Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill completed its passage through the Scottish Parliament on 11 March 2009. 

It appears to be still unclear what the financial consequences of the Bill will be for the Scottish Government, the Stage 3 debate throwing no further light on that issue.

The Conservatives abstained on the passage of the Bill but the Parliament was otherwise unanimous in putting it through.  There is talk of a challenge to the Bill from the insurance industry but it is not clear what the legal basis for such a challenge might be.

Meantime, down in Westminster, a Private Member's Bill, with the original (in the copyright sense) title, The Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Bill, received its First Reading on 26 January 2009.  The Bill provides that certain asbestos-related conditions are actionable personal injuries.  A Second Reading will take place on 24 April.