I would say three things about this one :
1. I would be very surprised if it's true
2. I do not really care if it is true
3. I have just discussed with my brother about "Child" and I told him that I would really like to attend a Purple concert during which they would play it again, with the help of tapes for the "unhuman" parts of it.
For your information, I did see the Purple in March 1973 (I was 14) and, yes, they did play it (since it was the same tracklist as for "Made In Japan".
The last time I saw them was January last year, and I am thrilled to see them again in May 2007.
I doubt they will take my suggestion for granted, but I would love them to do so.
Cheers.