Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Jim Shannon Excerpts
Tuesday 11th November 2014

(9 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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Although I cannot promise to review the case, I will ask for the files and take a close interest in it, and will probably meet my hon. Friend as soon as possible so that we can discuss it.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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Following on from the earlier question about mesothelioma, more than 2,000 Harland and Wolff workers received compensation of £30,000 before privatisation in 1989. On 25 July 2012, it was announced that through the Bill that was to become the Mesothelioma Act 2014 there would be a compensation settlement of between £115,000 and £123,000. What steps will the Minister take to ensure that Harland and Wolff workers in Northern Ireland receive comparative and fair compensation?

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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It is crucial that the sufferers of this horrible disease get the full compensation they are due. We are working closely with victims groups and various other groups, as I mentioned earlier, to ensure that the process is as simple and easy as possible and that the compensation that is rightfully due to them and others is received as quickly as possible.