HC Deb 07 November 1967 vol 753 cc85-6W
49. Dr. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what organisation Her Majesty's Government has for the analysis and valuation of reports of flying objects not identified as aircraft.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Ministry of Defence examines these reports in the light of their possible air defence implications; and it obtains advice, as necessary, from Governmental and other scientific and technical organisations. The adequacy of our arrangements can be judged from the fact that between 1st January, 1959, and 30th September, 1967, 625 reports were examined and 555 were found to have mundane explanations. The remaining 70 reports contained insufficient data for evaluation but there was nothing to suggest that they related to incidents materially different in kind from those which were explained.