Steps to regulate the use of silicone implants could lead to a rise in compensation claims in Sussex.

Seven Sussex women are already in line for thousands of pounds in compensation after having breast implants removed because of health fears.

The European Commission yesterday unveiled new plans calling for countries to bring in mandatory safety checks before allowing silicone implants to be used.

The proposals include independent pre and post-surgery counselling, with women being given a "second opinion" by a specialist other than their own surgeon before surgery and a register of qualified plastic surgeons.

Each country is also being urged to carry out major studies to establish the precise health risks of implants.

It will be up to individual EU states to decide whether to approve the measures.

Silicone breast implants are already banned in America, Japan, Canada and France.

A recent US study found that 69 per cent of them rupture within ten years.

Brighton-based solicitor Melanie Minter is dealing with the seven Sussex compensation claims which could see the women getting a minimum of £5,250 each.

The compensation is for the strain, worry and discomfort caused when Trilucent implants, made of silicone and soya bean oil, were withdrawn from the market because of potential infection and cancer risks caused by leaks.

Miss Minter said: "There is a good chance that now this is back in the public eye people are going to learn more about silicone implants.

"I had calls at the beginning of this year from people who were still unaware about what had happened with Trilucent and there could be quite a few more in the same position."

The Department of Health issued a statement last June stating its concerns about the Trilucent implants.

Doctors found the soya bean oil was solidifying, which they felt could lead to infection and potential cancer.

About 5,000 women across the UK had trilucent implants and there have been months of consultation between their solicitors and US based Inamed Corporation, which took over trilucent suppliers Collagen Aesthetics UK Ltd in 1999.

The company has now agreed to pay compensation to any woman who had her breast implants removed since last June 6.

It is not admitting liability.

Miss Minter said: "Things are going very slowly but that is to be expected.

"However, we are hoping that by the end of this year most of the claims will have been settled."