Compensation Bill wins MSP support
22/02/2010
A proposed law which would speed up compensation payments to victims of disease and accidents has won cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament.
Labour MSP Bill Butler said he was "delighted" that a total of 34 MSPs from the Labour, Tory, Liberal Democrat and Green parties backed his Damages (Scotland) Bill, which also addresses compensation for workplace accidents.
It is based on recommendations made by the Scottish Law Commission in September 2008, and takes away the need for a lengthy court appearance if liability is admitted or for debating living expenses.
The cross-party support means Mr Butler's Member's Bill can move on to the next stage and be debated and considered by Holyrood.
Campaigner Joe O'Neill of the Clydebank Asbestos Group was happy that MSPs from all parties had supported the Bill.
He said: "Too often protracted legal proceedings place undue strain on families and I would urge all MSPs to get behind these proposals and ensure that justice can be accessed as quickly as possible."
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