Rachman’s Widow Denies Charges

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30190, 23 July 1963, Page 15

Rachman’s Widow Denies Charges

(N 2 .P .A.-Reuter— Copyright) LONDON, July 22. The widow of the property dealer, Peter Rachman, said in a statement last night there had been “droves of grotesque lies and absurdities” about her late husband’s business activities. The statement was on the eve of a Parliamentary debate on property deals in London which will centre on the mysterious role of “Polish Peter” Rachman, named in the House of Commons as a slum landlord.

Rachman died last November and publicity for his property interests came after he was "named in the Magistrate’s Court bearing of vice charges against Dr. Stephen Ward. In the statement. Issued by a London firm of solicitors. Mrs Audrey Rachman said she had taken legal advice. Before listing what toe called “the facts about certain property deals in London.” she said:

“It appears that toe law permits the dead to be defamed with impunity, and that I have no legal remedy against the campaign of vilification which is being conducted against my late busband.

“As regards those participants in this campaign who are manifestly more concerned for sensation than for truth, there would be no purpose in my attempting to pursue and expose the droves of grotesque lies and absurdities concerning my late hueband's business activities which have been paraded to the public during toe last fortnight.” Police have found a safe stolen from toe north London home of Mrs Rachman Cato and jewellery worth £B4OO and private papers are missing from the safe. Three men, one dressed as a policeman, burst into Mrs Rachman's home two months ago and stole the safe. I

Rachman's role as a slum landlord will be spotlighted in a House of Commons debate today. In the debate toe Government will face a Labour censure motion over it* 1957 Rent Act which the Labour Opposition claims gave the green light to racketeer* like Rachman.

The Government wIH counter-attack with an amendment deploring disreputable landlords but denying the Rent Act is to blame.

The Home Secretary. Mr Henry Brooke, has called for an urgent police report on alleged racketeering and ex* tort ion.