The announcement comes after a lengthy Government consultation following the House of Lord's ruling in October 2007 that compensation for pleural plaques would no longer be paid, despite the fact insurers had been paying out on such claims since the 1980's.

Pleural plaques are areas of scarring to the tissue and lining surrounding the lungs, and are an indicator that a person has been exposed to asbestos.

Although they do not cause symptoms, anyone diagnosed with the condition will understandably be concerned that they will develop a more serious asbestos related illness such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer or pleural thickening. Compensation for these conditions can still be claimed for.

To qualify under the scheme, a person must have:

• started the court process
• sent a formal letter of claim
• had their case taken on by a legal/trade union representative and identified a defendant company or insurer to pursue a claim against

In addition, you must not have received a payment of more than £5,000 or resolved your case. You'll also be expected to provide certain documents from your previous case.

For more information about whether you qualify for a payment you, or to apply, you can call the Government helpline on 0300 3038150 or go to www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/pleural-plaques-compensation-scheme.htm

All applications must be received by 1 August 2011.

Payments under the scheme are expected to be made to around 6,000 people, but that will sadly be of no comfort to those diagnosed with pleural plaques after 2007.

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