Under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979 (c. 41) (“the Act”) lump sum payments may be made to certain persons disabled by a disease to which the Act applies, or to dependants of persons who were so disabled before they died. The diseases covered by the Act are pneumoconiosis, byssinosis, diffuse mesothelioma, and such other diseases as are specified by the Secretary of State.