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Dr. Brand: I put it on record that my complaint and that of my constituents is not with the Minister's Department or the way the scheme operates. I know from my clinical experience how co-operative people in the Benefits Agency can be in these circumstances--they are invariably helpful.

Will the Minister consider whether there is any chance of the companies currently at risk of litigation making substantial contributions to improve the very efficient but, I am afraid, not very generous state-run benefit system?

Angela Eagle: I cannot vouch for those companies, nor can I speak for them. Perhaps this is one of my more pessimistic days, but, given that the Health and Safety Executive suspects that there is a great legacy of exposure to asbestos--about 3,000 people a year develop the disease--it would be an issue for Lloyd's of London and other insurers as to the likely compensation and liabilities after years of use of asbestos, before we knew that it was as fatal as it can be. I think the hon. Gentleman may be optimistic in his assessment of the number of employers who would come forward. We can always ask, but I suspect I know the answer. Companies continue to fight every personal injury case that goes to court. They do so for a reason. We can only speculate about that reason, but I have given the hon. Gentleman some ideas about that.

The Government can ban the remaining available types of asbestos. As one of its priorities, the HSE is taking action to ensure that the asbestos that remains in many buildings and public spaces that are in constant use is properly contained. We can ensure that the regulations for change of building use or for demolition are more effectively policed and that they continue to offer and increase protection for those who may be exposed in future to latent asbestos in buildings.

There are compensation schemes. We are working carefully through the HSE and the construction industry to ensure that the legacy is dealt with in a way that minimises the chances of future exposure. However, we must realise that there is a legacy from past exposure, and that some of the diseases can take between 20 and 40 years to manifest themselves.

I understand and share the hon. Gentleman's concern. I shall pass his comments to the Lord Chancellor's Department, and shall be happy to keep in touch with him about any other individual cases.

Question put and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at twenty-seven minutes past Seven o'clock.

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