Annex iv5
Letter to Mr Keith Vaz MP from the Parliamentary
Commissioner for Standards
Congratulations on your re-election.
I was sorry to read in the press that you are still
not well and I very much hope that you are now able to take the
time to recover properly. I am grateful to Mr Bennett for keeping
me informed about your progress.
I apologise once again for the necessity of bringing
to your attention further information which I have received. As
we agreed when we met in May I am sending new information via
Mr Bennett so that he can bring it to your attention only when
you are fully recovered.
1. Property
You will recall that I wrote to your solicitor on
19 October 2000 to check that I had complete information from
you on your property interests. I said, "For the sake of
completeness, would Mr Vaz also give me details of any other properties
he owns, their purpose and date of purchase." Your solicitor
replied on November 2nd 2000 and I explained in my letter of 9
November why I needed a complete account of any possible registrable
interest.
The Today programme and the Sunday Telegraph have
provided me with background research information collated from
public records concerning your property interests and in some
instances, where they appear to be intertwined, those of your
mother. I have added the information which you have provided to
me and created the attached schedule which sets out the property
information of which I am aware, including information about the
occupants.
Please would you let me know whether this schedule
is correct and complete. If it is not please provide me with a
comprehensive and corrected version covering all your property
holdings in the United Kingdom or elsewhere from the date of your
first election in 1987 to June 2001 and indicating any rental
income received from properties. This will enable me to provide
accurate information to the Standards and Privileges Committee.
Perhaps you would also confirm what you have already
explained to my office, that you personally received no rent in
respect of 75 Vanburgh Court and confirm that you have never,
since your election in 1987, had any financial interest in 63
to 65 Camden High Street, London, NW1, 77 Langland Crescent, Harrow,
53 Scraptoft Street, Leicester, or 203a Uppingham Road, Leicester.
I see from the Land Registry information that you
transferred the ownership of your Kennington flat at Vanburgh
Court to your mother on 27th October 2000. I would be grateful
if you would let me know why this transaction occurred at this
date.
2. Complaint from Mrs E Eggington alleging that
Mr and Mrs Vaz employed an illegal immigrant as a nanny
I have received a second complaint from Mrs Eggington
based on information provided by Mrs Gresty and supported by other
material which I attach.
I would be grateful for your response to this allegation
so that I may decide whether any investigation is required.
In particular would you let me know:
1. Whether your and your
wife ever employed Mrs Mary Martin/Ahmed at any time for any purpose.
2. If so , whether you were aware of the immigration
status of Mrs Martin.
3. General Mediterranean Holdings
Please would you give me a description of your relationship
with this company or any other company or body associated with
it and let me know whether they have provided you with any benefits
of any kind at any time from 1987 to date. If they have provided
you with any benefits please give a brief description with date
and estimated value.
I very much hope you are making a good recovery and
will feel able to deal with the outstanding matters shortly.
19 June 2001
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