How many asbestos-related court cases were outstanding at the date of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon's appointment; how many surviving asbestos s…

As at 20 December 2001 there were in the region of 450 asbestos related cases on-going in the Court of Session. During January 2002, Lord Mackay has conducted procedural hearings in a selection of cases, with a view to identifying any issues that might have a bearing on the future progress of these and future cases. Cases will continue to be called before him for the purposes set out in the notice in the Rolls of the Court of Session dated 20 December 2001, but it remains open to parties to the actions to make application to the court in accordance with the normal rules. The nomination of Lord Mackay of Drumadoon does not supersede normal procedure.It is expected that the additional judicial input into these cases through Lord Mackay will expedite progress focusing parties attention on issues that are barring or delaying settlement or other progress. Appropriate priority will continue to be given to those few cases that proceed to proof.