When the asbestos session was opened to the floor it created some interesting debate.
David Williams from AXA said a statutory scheme would ensure that some mesothelioma sufferers would get compensation before they die.
Tom Jones agreed that they needed to get compensation to those people as quickly as possible, but that the current system was capable of doing that now and the government didn't need to go beyond that.
"We have a system that does operate and does deliver before [mesothelioma sufferers] die."
One delegate from the floor said the reason for the delay in paying out claims was the squabbling that goes on between insurers about liability.
He questioned whether the scheme would sort that problem out so insurers could agree on how to split the liabilities.
Another delegate asked who would be paying into the fund, insurers or employers.
Jones responded: "Insurers dislike claims, after that they dislike each other. When people die insurers privately rejoice in the reduction in paying out claims. Why would the future be any different?"
Oliver Heald put forward the idea of a board which could manage claims in the future so all those that deserved compensation got it.
"We need a fairer, more sensible and robust system for the future," he said.
