| John Battle MP (Lab, Leeds West) has welcomed
a decision by an NHS watchdog to make a drug for asbestos-related cancer
available for some patients.
Originally the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice)
had said it would not approve the drug, Alimta, on the grounds it was no
better than other, less costly, treatments. But after examining new evidence,
Nice has approved Alimta as a treatment option for the majority of sufferers
of mesothelioma, a lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos.
Mr Battle said: “I very much welcome this move on the part of Nice
to make Alimta available to mesothelioma sufferers. Many people in Armley
are still suffering as a result of this terrible disease, and they will
now be able to access Alimta on the NHS.”
Studies have shown that Alimta can ease the severe symptoms associated
with mesothelioma significantly and can extend a sufferer's life by up
to a year.
“The u-turn on the part of Nice is in no small part due to the campaign
led by mesothelioma sufferers and their families for anti-cancer drugs such
as Alimta to be made available,” Mr Battle added.
Background on JW Roberts’ factory in Armley
In 1956, JW Roberts' factory in Armley, which manufactured asbestos blankets
and coverings, closed after 80 years, leaving the neighbourhood a deadly
legacy of pollution. Asbestos dust from the factory had been blown out
on to the streets of Armley Lodge every day.
Workers at the factory were given greater protection against the damaging
effects of asbestos in 1936, but no such protection existed for local residents.
Later investigations revealed the company believed that putting in place
such measures would be too costly.
Following the closure of the factory, JW Roberts was bought out by a British
multinational, Turner & Newall (T&N), based in Manchester. Lawyers
acting for the Armley victims moved in and following a mountain of evidence
and two further parliamentary debates, the case was made that in law T&N
were liable for the Armley pollution.
Under UK law, British companies can be held responsible for the impacts
of the pollutions they cause in this country. But liability only extends
so far. So when T&N were taken over by an American multinational, Federal
Mogul, they were able to escape their liabilities by declaring that part
of the company bankrupt. A manoeuvre which is completely legitimate under
UK company law.
Creditors, including mesothelioma victims, will receive only 20 per cent
of the compensation to which they are entitled.
John Battle MP 13 July 2007
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