Social Security

Introduced motions on pneumoconiosis and mesothelioma compensation regulations.

Expressed gratitude for the opportunity to respond virtually. Noted that these schemes stand apart from main social security benefits uprating procedure. Stated that it is right to increase amounts payable in line with September consumer price index figure of 0.5%. Paid tribute to organisations supporting victims and their families. Mentioned the Health and Safety Executive estimates that 12,000 deaths each year are linked to occupational lung disease. Highlighted the disparity between lump sum payments for sufferers and dependants. Questioned whether it was fair given working environments caused conditions now banned. Raised concerns about lack of parity in payments impacting women more than men. Inquired about assessment of impact on women. Asked for most recent cost estimates of providing equal payments to sufferers and dependants. Urged Minister to reflect on this issue annually raised by predecessors. Suggested additional funding for treatment options research and awareness raising during pandemic. Questioned the impact of HSE funding cuts on regulatory efforts.

Remembered comrade Tom Begley who died from asbestos-related cancer. Paid tribute to campaigners, trade unions, and charities highlighting industrial diseases' impacts. Noted the difficulty in diagnosing those affected by washing clothes with asbestos. Welcomed uprating but asked for commitment on annual increases. Questioned progress made on disparity between payments to sufferers and dependants since 2010. Asked about support given to HSE to ensure asbestos-free workplaces.

Welcomes the increase in compensation value but presses the Minister on problems related to asbestos-related diseases assessment delays for industrial injuries disablement benefit. Highlights a backlog of claims and age-based reductions in payment, urging the minister to update figures and address specific cases where claimants have suffered due to delays.

Supports the statutory instruments for compensation but stresses the need for the UK Government to honour commitments made since 2010 to bridge the gap between in-life and posthumous payments. Emphasises the long-standing fight led by Clydebank Asbestos Group and the ongoing commitment to ensure justice for asbestos disease sufferers and their families.

Supports the motion to uprate payments for mesothelioma sufferers and highlights the failure of UK-wide organisations in recognising the dangers of asbestos. Emphasises the importance of research, funding, and inspector numbers at Health and Safety Executive and calls for equalisation of payments to dependants. Raises concerns about the impact of the pandemic on diagnoses and access to healthcare services.

Calls attention to the high death rate from pneumoconiosis in Scotland, Wales, and other deprived communities. Supports the 0.5% increase but highlights limitations such as lack of parity between lump sum payments made to sufferers and those made to dependants. Points out issues with death certificates during the pandemic leading to families not qualifying for benefits. Urges the Government to raise awareness about occupational health hazards and properly fund the Health and Safety Executive.

Welcomes the move to increase payments in line with inflation but calls for more moves to ensure annual uprating of schemes on a statutory footing. Acknowledges the impact of the pandemic on cancer patients and highlights cuts made by the Tory Government to the Health and Safety Executive leading to a decrease in health and safety inspectors. Calls for better funding and increased enforcement at HSE.

Expressed personal experience of asbestos-related diseases, highlighted the work done by Clydeside Action on Asbestos and others. Supported the motion due to the ongoing issues with workplace injuries and illnesses.

Discussed his long-standing concern for constituents affected by pneumoconiosis and mesothelioma, questioned the rationale behind a mere 0.5% increase during a pandemic, called for reconsideration of uplift to address financial pressures on ill individuals and their families.

Acknowledged cross-party support, emphasised the importance of the schemes and charities supporting claimants, addressed issues such as delays due to COVID-19 and funding for HSE. Also highlighted research efforts against cancer and measures to ensure continued treatment for cancer patients during the pandemic.

I will now suspend the House for three minutes to make the necessary arrangements for the next business.