Fast-track procedures should be set up to deal with compensation claims from people dying of asbestos-related diseases, the Scottish Parliament's Justice 2 Committee has recommended.

The committee's report followed a series of hearings on the issue, at which victims, insurers and judges presented evidence.

At present, many mesothelioma sufferers die before their compensation claims are settled.

The report concluded that speeded-up procedures, needed to be introduced.

Solicitor Frank Maguire of Thompsons Scotland represented shipyard workers from the Clydeside Action on Asbestos group in a two-year battle for the reforms.

Maguire said: "These recommendations will go some way to bringing justice to terminally ill people."

But, he pointed out that the recommendations would apply only to future cases.

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