§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will disclose the whereabouts of Joseph Michael Harkin, ex-private, 1st Battalion Queen's Lancashire Regiment, who was court marshalled for desertion and sentenced to five years' confinment in March, 1972.
§ Mr. CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
I am writing to the hon. Member.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence if he is aware that Joseph Michael Harkin's mother is over 70 years of age, and that her health is deteriorating as a result of fear for her son's safety and as a result of intimidation and harassment from local thugs; and whether Joseph Michael Harkin's mother has yet been informed of the whereabouts of her son, sentenced to five years' confinement in March.
§ Mr. CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
Harkin wrote to his mother on 15th October and has since received a reply. I understand that the local police have no record of any complaints about threats to Mrs. Harkin.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence what was the purpose of the visit of Special Branch officers to the home of Mrs. Harkin some 10 days ago.
§ Mr. CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
76WThe Chief Constable of Lancashire tells me that he has no record of any such visit.
§ Miss Devlinasked the Minister of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that Joseph Michael Harkin is in good health and has not been subject to ill-treatment.
§ Mr. CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
Yes.