In October the meso blog reported on a controversial ruling by the British House of Lords which effectively ended compensation for UK victims of pleural plaques, an asbestos-related condition that causes scarring of the lung membrane. (See Landmark UK Asbestos Ruling Raises Fury posted October 19, 2007). It is estimated that there are approximately 14,000 pleural plaque cases each year in the UK, which accounts for about 75% of all asbestos-related claims. In response to that ruling, this week the Scottish government issued a consultation document seeking comment on a proposed bill to reverse the House of Lords' decision and allow victims of pleural plaques to bring claims for damages in Scotland. The bill, which is to be introduced before the summer recess, would be applied retroactively to October 17, 2007, the date of the House of Lords' decision.