§ 17. Mr. James Lamondasked the Minister of State for Defence how many members of Her Majesty's Forces are engaged in the investigation of reports of unidentified flying objects at the present time; and what is the comparable figure for 10 years ago.
§ Lord LambtonNo members of Her Majesty's Forces are engaged full-time on the investigation of unidentified flying objects but reports are examined, as necessary, by appropriate specialist staff at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Royal Air Force commands and elsewhere as a normal staff function to determine whether there are any possible defence implications. Details of the numbers engaged on such investigations 10 years ago are not, I regret, available; but there has been no significant change over that period.
§ Mr. LamondDoes not the Minister think that this would be an excellent job for some of the Army officers we have just been speaking about? Many citizens would like the Government's reassurance that the Government are not to blame for the coldest Midsummer Day we have had this century and confirmation of their belief that it is due to unidentified flying objects.
§ Lord LambtonI do not know what the question is, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman would like to look into this investigation himself.
§ Mr. GorstWill my hon. Friend inform the House what, within the context of his answer, he means by an "unidentified flying object"?
§ Lord LambtonA flying object which is unidentified.