Insurance lawyers and MSPs have clashed over claims that the lung-scarring condition pleural plaques could be a �good thing� because it proved the body�s defences were working.

Insurance lawyers and MSPs have clashed over claims that the lung-scarring condition pleural plaques could be a "good thing" because it proved the body's defences were working.

The insurance industry yesterday argued strongly against proposed Holyrood legislation designed to overturn a House of Lords ruling that compensation for the condition should be scrapped because there was no proof that it was harmful. Bill Butler, Labour MSP, was among those who repeatedly questioned industry experts on their definition of the condition.

Dr Pamela Abernethy, of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers, said: "The consensus is that pleural plaques are simply the body's physiological response to the presence of foreign fibres."

She said the fibres were then "walled off," adding: "The body's defence system is operating to prevent them from causing harm.

"My submission is that plaques are a good thing, they don't cause harm. These plaques are markers of exposure to asbestos."

Pressed on the statement, she said the presence of the condition was unreliable because people without plaques could develop illness.

Dr Abernethy was giving evidence to MSPs over the Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill. The bill is intended to reverse a decision by the House of Lords that people with the condition cannot claim compensation. Defenders of the plan, including Clydeside Action On Asbestos, said the scarring on lungs indicated past exposure to asbestos and could point to a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, a deadly cancer.

Gilbert Anderson, the forum's regional representative for Scotland, said the bill was "well-intentioned" but wrong in law. Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health at the Association of British Insurers, said his stance against the bill was based on the House of Lords decision.

"Pleural plaques are benign. They do not have any symptoms associated with them, except in the most exceptional of cases."

However, Harry McCluskey from Clydeside Action On Asbestos said: "To me there should be no argument here today. Pleural plaques should be compensated."