LONDON (AFX) - The government said it is introducing immediate measures to help victims of asbestos-related lung cancer get their compensation claims handled faster. Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton said the interim action will include clarifying with claims handlers 'best practice to ensure priority is given to those with mesothelioma', the medical name for the disease. 'We will also work with Revenue and Customs so that employer records can be traced quicker,' he said. The move comes on top of the government's decision to change the law through the Compensation Bill, in light of a Law Lords ruling which would have caused delays in resolving claims and made it more difficult for sufferers to recover full compensation. 'I am committed to ensuring sufferers of this awful disease, which progresses so rapidly from the time of diagnosis, will get compensation before they die,' said Hutton.