asked the Minister of State for Defence, why on 27th August, 1970, his Department declined to investigate the personal case referred to it on 9th July, 1970, by the hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick; and why his Department subsequently investigated that personal case without advising the hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick, accordingly.

There were no grounds for an investigation into the individual conduct of the troops in the personal case in question and no such investigation was undertaken. The fact that the particular complaint was based on incorrect information came to light subsequently. By that time, the hon. Member's attention was concentrated, both in the House and in correspondence, upon the legality of the restrictions imposed by the Army.

asked the Minister of State for Defence on what date his Department commenced investigation into the personal case referred to him on 9th July, 1970, by the hon. Member for Manchester, Ardwick.

The fact that the original complaint was based on incorrect information was learnt on 23rd October, 1970.