Families of former dockyard workers were briefed today by GWU officials and an American lawyer who are representing them in cases they are instituting over asbestos poisoning.

The claims are being made against a number of American shipping companies, but lawyer Mitchell Cohen pointed out that many of these companies have now filed for bankruptcy, rather than meet the compensation claims. The relatives, however, could still be entitled for some of their funds.

The meeting was attended by some 45 family members of dockyard workers, some of whom fell victims of asbestos-induced cancer.

Some of them had tears in their eyes as they described how their fathers or husbands suffered lung cancer.

"We are seeking compensation not as much for the money as to see that justice is done" a 19-year-old whose father has been diagnosed with cancer told the meeting.