Stevenson Concludes Success of Mesothelioma Bill in Parliament

Speaking at the passing of the Rights of Relatives to Damages (Mesothelioma) (Scotland) Bill, Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has hailed the successes of the new legislation.

Speaking about the progression of the Bill which amended the law concerning the right of relatives of a deceased person to claim damages for mesothelioma, Mr. Stevenson commended the cooperation shown by all of those involved and highlighted the benefits of the Bill for past, present and future sufferers and their families.

Speaking during the debate Mr. Stevenson said;

“Let us note that we parliamentarians have been but bit players in implementing this legislation. The people who have really brought deliverance to the sufferers of mesothelioma are those who progressed the issue by campaigning on it and bringing it to MSPs' attention. Those people are represented in the gallery today.

“We should commend the work that we have done on the matter today and in recent weeks as a case study that shows members in the next session of Parliament how they can deal with matters that are readily identified as not being party-politically contentious on which they hold a shared objective. Today we have the pleasure of sharing the outcome that derives from that consensus.

“The ‘British Journal of Cancer’ suggests that there will be some 90,000 deaths in the 80 or so years from 1968 to 2050 from mesothelioma. At any point in time, the number of individuals involved is comparatively modest, but over the period for which we expect this terrible disease to affect people in our society, a significant number of people will be affected.

“We are all pleased to help those who are sufferers today, but we are also delivering an on-going benefit for the next 45 years and possibly longer. The merit of today’s work will continue to be felt for years to come.”