 | 'The news that Mr MacDougall was suing the Ministry of Defence for refusing to pay him compensation for his illness, which he believed he contracted while working at Rosyth Naval dockyard, has increased the problems for Gordon Brown, who holds the neighbouring constituency.' The Scotsman, 25 th August 2008. |  |
JOHN MacDougall, the Labour MP for Glenrothes who died two weeks ago from lung cancer, was suing the government at the time of his death, it emerged yesterday.
Mr MacDougall's death has caused a by-election in the Fife constituency. Although he had a 10,600 majority, Labour will be under intense pressure to hang on to the seat when the by-election is called.
The news that Mr MacDougall was suing the Ministry of Defence for refusing to pay him compensation for his illness, which he believed he contracted while working at Rosyth Naval dockyard, has increased the problems for Gordon Brown, who holds the neighbouring constituency.
Mr MacDougall had a rare form of lung cancer which is caused by breathing in asbestos. It is understood he was exposed to asbestos while working at Rosyth. The government turned down his request for a £300,000 pay-out, prompting Mr MacDougall, who was already ill, to launch his legal action.
His family may now continue the action against the Ministry of Defence on his behalf.
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