§ 29. Mr. COCKSasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the anxiety concerning the circumstances of the death by poisoning on 25th December at St. Stephen's Hospital, Chelsea, of Madame Zeinep Vlora, an Albanian subject; whether permission was granted by his Department to dispense with the usual public coroner's inquest, and, if so, for what reason and by whom was the request made; for what reason the death of Madame Vlora was kept secret for a month; whether any report on the case was made by the police; whether he can state its nature; and whether he will make a statement with a view to relieving the anxiety aroused by this affair?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am not aware of the existence of any anxiety in this matter. Questions of diplomatic privilege arose in connection with the attendance of witnesses at this inquest and it was as a result of this being communicated to the coroner that, in the exercise of his discretion, he decided not to hold the inquest in public. The death was registered in the ordinary way on the day after the inquest.
§ Mr. COCKSMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman why the letters which have been received from this lady's brother by Scotland Yard, asking for information about this case, have not been replied to? Does he not think it very undesirable that this matter should be dealt with in secret, and is he satisfied that no one is being shielded?
§ Sir J. GILMOURSo far as I know these inquiries have been properly and fully carried out. I am not aware of any question about the other matter which has been raised by the hon. Member.
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf the hon. Member will give me any further information, I shall be glad to look into the matter.