IT IS disgraceful that in this day and age holiday-makers are still being sent to foreign resorts to die of carbon monoxide poisoning.

As far back as 1959, two children were orphaned when their parents met their fate at a motel in Portugal.

The local “experts” put their deaths down to food poisoning from the clams which they had eaten, despite the fact that none of the other people who had eaten clams had the slightest symptoms.

Home Office Pathologist Prof Keith Simpson was not permitted to fly to Portugal but from information gleaned via a reporter who had flown to the country, he suspected their deaths were due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It seems he suggested the family apply for the bodies to be repatriated for burial in their home country and upon arrival they were taken to his laboratory at Guy’s.

As soon as the coffins were opened he knew from the pink tinge of the bodies that he was right, although he carried out the usual tests.

His findings were confirmed by his colleague, Donald Teare, who also examined the bodies.

The Southwark coroner held A public inquest was held and the insurance company that had issued the policy taken out by Mr Trist before going on holiday paid the £10,000 to the children. The experts involved claimed nothing for their services.

Incredibly, Prof Simpson was called to the Foreign Office and lectured. “Disturbed relations” had arisen he was told. “Would I care to write a letter myself to the authorities at Almada or in Lisbon, to help repair the damage, or would I like the Foreign Office to draft one for me to sign?” He refused.

There has been a television documentary featuring other cases and yet this is still going on. This type of water heater should have been banned years ago and all travel agents should be aware of it and stop sending people to such places.

M E Westerman (Mrs), College Road, Trowbridge