Scottish asbestos victims and their lawyers have warned that, though the Government's interim rescue compensation package was welcome, it should not been seen as a final solution.
Glasgow-based solicitor's firm, Thompson's, which is representing claimants, said there is mounting concern that many Scottish sufferers would not qualify to claim for compensation under the new scheme.
There was also little hope for those who did qualify, it said, because for those who did would only be entitled to a much smaller payment than sufferers seeking damages through civil actions.
For example, a 60 year-old widow who has lost her husband from mesothelioma would only be entitled to a maximum compensation after his death of just under £8000 under the new scheme, said Thompson's.
However, if she were able to take the claim through the Court of Session, the case could be resolved with a claim for damages between £150,000 and £250,000.
The scheme was announced earlier this week by Stephen Byers, secretary of state for transport, local government and the regions, as an extension of the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 scheme for sufferers of respiratory industrial diseases.
The extension is intended to assist asbestos victims affected by last December's Fairchild ruling.
