Personal injury lawyers have expressed disappointment over the government’s decision not to allow asbestos-related pleural plaques to be compensated.

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers called the decision a ‘disappointing end to a long, drawn-out, consultation process’.

The Ministry of Justice cited medical evidence from the chief medical officer for England and the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council in announcing last week that it will not overturn a 2007 House of Lords ruling.

James Walsh, a partner and head of the industrial disease unit at Plymouth firm Wolferstans, described the MoJ’s decision as a ‘fudge’.

However, new legislation could reverse the government’s stance. The Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill, which would supercede the Lords ruling, has already passed through the Commons, and is due to be read at the committee stage in the Lords on Friday.