Mr Miliband visited the Fowler Street, South Shields, branch of Thompsons yesterday, to discuss the lack of a compensation right for those with the illness.

They also discussed the insurance 'black hole' which often puts the brakes on asbestos-related compensation claims.

Pleural plaques can trigger killer diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis because lung tissue is scarred.

However, sufferers lost a chance of compensation after a controversial Law Lords ruling in October 2007.

Ian McFall, national head of asbestos litigation at specialist trade union solicitors Thompsons, told Mr Miliband: "There are a disproportionate number of people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses in this constituency, on the back of industry.

"This is the greatest public health crisis we face, and it's happening here in South Tyneside."

Speaking of the difficulty in tracking down some insurers for compensation claims, he added: "In many cases, by the time the disease develops, the business they worked at has ceased trading.

"This means that about one in 20, or in some areas, one in 10 asbestos-related compensation claims can't be processed.

"When an employer goes out of business and was either uninsured or the insurer cannot be traced, there is no fund of last resort to meet the employers' liability to the injured worker."

The success rate in tracing historical insurers is about 35 per cent, and Mr McFall suggested the creation of similar provisions by the Motor Insurance Bureau, which meets the liability to pay compensation to victims of untraced drivers.

The Shields Gazette has long been pressing for compensation for pleural plaques sufferers.

Mr Miliband said: "I have been following this issue for the past six or seven years.

"I've met people in South Shields who are suffering from illnesses as a result of asbestos, and it's always eye-opening to hear more about it.

"The Shields Gazette has done a fantastic job of highlighting the issue, and I'll certainly be discussing this meeting with my colleagues."

Former Jarrow MP Lord Dixon has tirelessly campaigned to reinstate compensation for pleural plaque victims.

He said: "I would hope we can get some decision on pleural plaques which will overturn the ruling on compensation."