A SON robbed of his father by a killer lung disease has taken his compensation fight to the top.
Colin Laidler's father Ronald died aged 70 in 2002 after a two-year wait for compensation from U.S.-owned Turner and Newall, previously known as the Washington Chemical Company.
At least 100 people have died from asbestos-related illness without get
ting a penny in compensation since the firm went into administration four years ago.
Colin, of Donwell, Washington, addressed Parliament's all-party health and safety committee, which included Works Minister Margaret Hodge.
Joined by Ian McFall, of Newcastle-based Thomson Solicitors, Colin, 47, said: "I explained how my father had retired at the age of 64 in 2001. He was diagnosed with mesotheliomia.
"He died on September 26, 2002, after originally being told that he had secured compensation to make sure that my family were looked after when he died.
"This was a cruelly taken away from him when Turner and Newall went into administration."
It is now believed those who worked at the plant after 1969, about a quarter of claimants, could see some form of payout by the end of the year.
Colin added: "I think everything is still in the mixer. I don't think anybody is 100 per cent certain what will end up being paid out.
"We must try and get a situation that is fair not just for the people who are suffering now but those who will also suffer in the future."
Colin's father had worked for Washington Chemical Company for 39 years, starting out as an apprentice plumber and retiring as a maintenance controller.
After being diagnosed, he quickly settled his claim with Turner and Newall, but died waiting for the cash, which he hoped would secure the future for his wife Sarah.
Last year the Echo revealed how the Washington Chemical Company knowingly exposed thousands of workers to the deadly dust.
Secret documents showed how management tried to cover up the effect it was having on its workers.
Despite thousands of people dying and getting ill from the dust, the first asbestos compensation case was not brought to court until the late 1960s.
It took five years for the claimant to win damages at the Court of Appeal against the Central Asbestos Company.
