§ Q7. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Secretary of State for Defence is responsible only for the air defence implications of the reports of unidentified flying objects, he will allocate to a Department the duty of assessing the wider implications of these reports.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltIs the Prime Minister aware that enormous numbers of these reports are coming in to the Government from people, not all of whom are cranks? Would it not be appropriate, without myself knowing very much about the origins or significance of these items, that somebody in the Government at least should take a serious interest in them?
§ The Prime MinisterThese matters are taken seriously when the reports which are received are sufficiently detailed to enable a check to be made. In very many cases there are natural phenomena, or less natural phenomena such as balloons, aircraft, and so on. Where it has not been possible to get a satisfactory explanation, it is usually because the information has been too inadequate or imprecise for investigation.
§ Mr. HoggIs it not well known that these unidentified flying objects are the chickens coming home to roost in the ruins of the right hon. Gentleman's reputation?
§ The Prime MinisterI seem to remember thinking that question rather funny when it was put by the right hon. Member for Flint, West (Mr. Birch) six years ago.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn view of the fact that the Opposition are always looking for mares' nests, could not my right hon. Friend undertake this task of looking for unidentified objects?