Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) Bill [HL]

My Lords, I wish to say a word or two on this because I seek further clarification on what the Government are doing to speed up claims in relation to mesothelioma. We all know that it is a horrific disease. It is wholly right that the legal system should give priority to very early determination of compensation claims so that sufferers can obtain proper compensation during their lifetime. We support and applaud the Government’s contribution and commitment to improve the speed of payment of compensation claims. However, it may take a little more than the creation of a working party, as I recall a similar commitment by the Department for Work and Pensions in 2007 that has not yet borne much fruit. In response to the Government’s Statement, the Association of British Insurers commented: ""It is unacceptable that it takes up to two years for these claims to work through the compensation system"." I was minded to put down an amendment on this to encourage the Secretary of State to do something. It is important that any handling scheme should place obligations on those acting for claimants as well as on those acting for defendants. I raise this again in this clause stand part debate before we finally conclude the Committee Stage in order to hear from the Government again on this. I am sure that they will be grateful to take this opportunity to say what they feel they can do to speed up the claims, such as fixing legal costs for the various stages of the claims at fair levels so that solicitors are properly rewarded for the work that they do in sometimes difficult circumstances. That might drive early settlement. I would be grateful if the noble Lord could set out what the Government are doing to streamline the handling of claims and what progress they think they can make in this area given the lack of progress over the past three years.