Compensation Bill [Lords]

The Bill tries to deal with the way in which the law of negligence operates, as the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Tony Lloyd) suggested in the case of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cases should be dealt with rapidly, preferably out of court because, given the terminal nature of the condition, people with a diagnosis have only a short time—often, only 12 to 18 months—in which to act. A speedy out-of-court scheme is the best way forward. Many victims of mesothelioma cannot make a claim, because they do not know who was their former employer’s insurer. I am happy to hold discussions on Barker with the Minister once she has received legal advice but, in addition, we must try to improve the tracing service so that more people can make a claim. On the question of who pays, it is the people who did wrong in the first place and their insurers who should do so. I accept that it is important to provide a simple, workable procedure, but one of the problems with Barker is that people have evaded their responsibilities—[Interruption.] Well, we must try to find ways of making insurance companies trace their records. Better insurance companies already do so, but we must encourage others to take action, too. We are keen to enter into constructive discussions with the Government on the Barker judgment once they have received advice, but more needs to be done.