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UFOs in Parliament
page: 4share:
1997
14 October 1997 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 168
“Mid-Air Explosion, Ilse of Lewis
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What was the military involvement in the search for the unidentified object that witnesses believe exploded in mid air, before crashing into the sea off the Isle of Lewis on 26 October 1996, and what liaison took place with the US authorities with regard to this incident.
Lord Gilbert: Following media reports of an explosion, initially attributed to a mid-air collision north of the Butt of Lewis, an extensive search of the area was carried out by the RAF and Coastguard Search and Rescue assets, but was later abandoned after it became clear that no aircraft had been reported overdue. HQ US 3rd Air Force were also approached at this time. They confirmed that there had been no US military activity in the area.”
14 October 1997 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 169
“Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt: Memorandum
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether the Ministry of Defence replied to the 1981 memorandum from Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt, which reported the presence of an unidentified craft that had landed in close proximity to RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge, witnessed by United States Air Force personnel; and if not, why not; and how the radiation readings reported by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt in his memorandum dated 13 January 1981 compare to the normal levels of background radiation in Rendelsham [sic] Forest.
Lord Gilbert: The memorandum, which reported observations of unusual lights in the sky, was assessed by staff in the MOD responsible for air defence matters. Since the judgment was that it contained nothing of defence significance, no further action was taken.
There is no record of any official assessment of the radiation readings reported by Lieutenant Colonel Halt. From a Defence perspective some 16.5 years after the alleged events, there is no requirement to carry out such an assessment now.”
23 October 1997
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 216
[Cross refer: “You Can’t tell the People” by Georgina Bruni, page 308 of hardback edition]
[Cross refer : “A Covert Agenda” by Nick Redfern, page 257 of hardback edition]
“Highpoint Prison
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether staff at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk received instructions to prepare for a possible evacuation of the prison at some time between 25 and 30 December 1980, and if so, why these instructions were issued.
Lord Williams of Mostyn: I regret to advise the noble Lord that I am unable to answer his Question, as records for Highpoint Prison relating to the period concerned are no longer available. The governor's journal is the record in which a written note is made of significant events concerning the establishment on a daily basis. It has not proved possible to locate that journal.”
28 October 1997
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 232
[Cross refer: “You Can’t tell the People” by Georgina Bruni, pages 303-304 of hardback edition]
“RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge: Nuclear Weapons Allegations
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether the allegations contained in the recently published book ‘Left at East Gate’, to the effect that nuclear weapons were stored at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in violation of UK/US treaty obligations are true.
Lord Gilbert: It has always been the policy of this and previous governments neither to confirm nor to deny where nuclear weapons are located either in the UK or elsewhere, in the past or at the present time. Such information would be withheld under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they are aware of reports from the United States Air Force personnel that nuclear weapons stored in the Weapons Storage Area at RAF Woodbridge were struck by light beams fired from an unidentified craft seen over the base in the period 25-30 December 1980, and if so, what action was subsequently taken.
Lord Gilbert: There is no evidence to suggest that the MOD received any such reports.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What information they have on the suicide of the United States security policeman from the 81st Security Police Squadron who took his life at RAF Bentwaters in January 1981, and whether they will detail the involvement of the British police, Coroner’s Office, and any other authorities concerned.
Lord Gilbert: MoD has no information concerning the alleged suicide. Investigations into such occurrences are carried out by the US Forces.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What information they have on the medical problems experienced by various United States Air Force personnel based at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge, which stemmed from their involvement in the so-called Rendlesham Forest incident, in December 1980.
Lord Gilbert: Information on medical matters relating to US personnel is a matter for the US authorities.”
10 November 1997 (Monday)
House of Commons Volume 300 Written Answers Column 450
“UFOs
Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's investigations into alleged sightings of unidentified flying objects intruding into British air space. [14907]
Mr. Spellar: My Department examines any reports of ‘unexplained’ aerial sightings that are sent to us solely to establish whether what was seen might have some defence significance, namely, whether there was any evidence that the UK Air Defence Region might have been breached by hostile or unauthorised foreign military activity. Unless there is evidence of a potential military threat, and to date no "unidentified flying object" sighting has revealed such evidence, we do not attempt to identify the precise nature of each reported incident.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
14 October 1997 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 168
“Mid-Air Explosion, Ilse of Lewis
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What was the military involvement in the search for the unidentified object that witnesses believe exploded in mid air, before crashing into the sea off the Isle of Lewis on 26 October 1996, and what liaison took place with the US authorities with regard to this incident.
Lord Gilbert: Following media reports of an explosion, initially attributed to a mid-air collision north of the Butt of Lewis, an extensive search of the area was carried out by the RAF and Coastguard Search and Rescue assets, but was later abandoned after it became clear that no aircraft had been reported overdue. HQ US 3rd Air Force were also approached at this time. They confirmed that there had been no US military activity in the area.”
14 October 1997 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 169
“Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt: Memorandum
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether the Ministry of Defence replied to the 1981 memorandum from Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt, which reported the presence of an unidentified craft that had landed in close proximity to RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge, witnessed by United States Air Force personnel; and if not, why not; and how the radiation readings reported by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt in his memorandum dated 13 January 1981 compare to the normal levels of background radiation in Rendelsham [sic] Forest.
Lord Gilbert: The memorandum, which reported observations of unusual lights in the sky, was assessed by staff in the MOD responsible for air defence matters. Since the judgment was that it contained nothing of defence significance, no further action was taken.
There is no record of any official assessment of the radiation readings reported by Lieutenant Colonel Halt. From a Defence perspective some 16.5 years after the alleged events, there is no requirement to carry out such an assessment now.”
23 October 1997
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 216
[Cross refer: “You Can’t tell the People” by Georgina Bruni, page 308 of hardback edition]
[Cross refer : “A Covert Agenda” by Nick Redfern, page 257 of hardback edition]
“Highpoint Prison
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether staff at Highpoint Prison in Suffolk received instructions to prepare for a possible evacuation of the prison at some time between 25 and 30 December 1980, and if so, why these instructions were issued.
Lord Williams of Mostyn: I regret to advise the noble Lord that I am unable to answer his Question, as records for Highpoint Prison relating to the period concerned are no longer available. The governor's journal is the record in which a written note is made of significant events concerning the establishment on a daily basis. It has not proved possible to locate that journal.”
28 October 1997
House of Lords Volume 582 Written Answers Column 232
[Cross refer: “You Can’t tell the People” by Georgina Bruni, pages 303-304 of hardback edition]
“RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge: Nuclear Weapons Allegations
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether the allegations contained in the recently published book ‘Left at East Gate’, to the effect that nuclear weapons were stored at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in violation of UK/US treaty obligations are true.
Lord Gilbert: It has always been the policy of this and previous governments neither to confirm nor to deny where nuclear weapons are located either in the UK or elsewhere, in the past or at the present time. Such information would be withheld under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they are aware of reports from the United States Air Force personnel that nuclear weapons stored in the Weapons Storage Area at RAF Woodbridge were struck by light beams fired from an unidentified craft seen over the base in the period 25-30 December 1980, and if so, what action was subsequently taken.
Lord Gilbert: There is no evidence to suggest that the MOD received any such reports.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What information they have on the suicide of the United States security policeman from the 81st Security Police Squadron who took his life at RAF Bentwaters in January 1981, and whether they will detail the involvement of the British police, Coroner’s Office, and any other authorities concerned.
Lord Gilbert: MoD has no information concerning the alleged suicide. Investigations into such occurrences are carried out by the US Forces.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What information they have on the medical problems experienced by various United States Air Force personnel based at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge, which stemmed from their involvement in the so-called Rendlesham Forest incident, in December 1980.
Lord Gilbert: Information on medical matters relating to US personnel is a matter for the US authorities.”
10 November 1997 (Monday)
House of Commons Volume 300 Written Answers Column 450
“UFOs
Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's investigations into alleged sightings of unidentified flying objects intruding into British air space. [14907]
Mr. Spellar: My Department examines any reports of ‘unexplained’ aerial sightings that are sent to us solely to establish whether what was seen might have some defence significance, namely, whether there was any evidence that the UK Air Defence Region might have been breached by hostile or unauthorised foreign military activity. Unless there is evidence of a potential military threat, and to date no "unidentified flying object" sighting has revealed such evidence, we do not attempt to identify the precise nature of each reported incident.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
1998
30 March 1998 (Monday)
House of Commons Volume 309 Written Answers Columns 414-415
[Cross refer: “The UFOs That Never Were” by David Clarke, Andy Roberts and Jenny Randles, page 47 of hardback edition]
“Low Flying Training
Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what complaints were received by the RAF concerning low-flying aircraft relating to 24 March 1997; [36407]
(2) if RAF/NATO military aircraft were engaged on an exercise over Northern England between 9.30 and 10.30 pm on 24 March 1997; [36404]
(3) for what reasons the RAF imposed an air exclusion zone around Howden reservoir on the morning of 25 March 1997; [36408]
(4) what reported sightings of UFOs were received from the (a) public and (b) police from the South Yorkshire/ Derbyshire area on 24 and 25 March 1997. [36402]
Mr. Spellar: A number of military aircraft were booked to carry out low flying training in northern England on the evening of 24 March 1997. The Ministry of Defence received 13 complaints about aircraft activity for that date from locations across the UK. No reported sightings of "UFOs" on 24 or 25 March 1997 were received by my Department. A Temporary Danger Area was established on 25 March, centred on Howden Reservoir, to allow an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter,
[30 March 1998 : Written Answers Column: 415]
in response to a request for assistance from South Yorkshire Police, to carry out a search of the area without disturbance by other military aircraft. Such Danger Areas are routinely established for Search and Rescue operations.”
1
07 April 1998
House of Commons Volume 310 Written Answers Column 222
[Cross refer: “The UFOs That Never Were” by David Clarke, Andy Roberts and Jenny Randles, page 48 of hardback edition]
“Low Flying Training
Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answers of 30 March 1998, Official Report, column 414, if the military exercises were carried out over the Sheffield area; what regulations govern (a) military and (b) other aircraft breaking the sound barrier; and if the sonic booms detected by Edinburgh University Seismology Unit above Sheffield, on 24 March 1997 were the result of aircraft breaking the sound barrier. [37991]
Mr. Spellar: It is not possible, twelve months after the date in question, to state precisely where military aircraft activity was being carried out. Records kept show only that aircraft were booked to carry out low flying over the Peak District between 2030 and 2107 hours local time on the evening of 24 March 1997. No low level flying is permitted over the Sheffield urban area, or any other major conurbation. Records of flying at medium level--between 2,000 and 24,000 feet--are not maintained so it is possible that there were aircraft in the area at medium level.
The regulations governing military aircraft flying at supersonic speeds are contained in the Joint Service Publication entitled 'Military Flying Regulations', an extract of which was provided in the answer I gave her on 1 April 1998, Official Report, columns 547-48. The regulations which apply to civil aviation are a matter for my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.
As for the sonic event detected by the British Geological Survey at Edinburgh University, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave her on 30 March 1998, Official Report, columns 414-15.”
29 June 1998 (Monday)
House of Commons Volume 315 column 12
“UFOs
Mr. Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of RAF Brawdy, Pembrokeshire in the investigation of sightings of unidentified flying objects. [47318]
Mr. Spellar: Brawdy ceased to be an RAF station on 31 March 1996 when the establishment was transferred to the Army.
Generally, my Department examines reports of unidentified flying objects only to establish whether there is any evidence that the United Kingdom's Air Defence Region has been penetrated by hostile or unauthorised foreign military activity. Unless a report reveals evidence of a potential threat from an external military source, no attempt is made to determine the precise nature of what might have been seen.”
2 July 1998
House of Commons volume 315 Written Answers column 260
“RAF Rudloe Manor
Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
what functions are carried out at RAF Rudloe Manor; and which
organisations are based there.
Dr. Reid: RAF Rudloe Manor is an adinimistrative establishment
providing accommodation and support for a number of defence
organisations. The following units are located there:
Unit - RAF Provost and Security Service Function - Security
support, criminal investigations and provost assistance to the
RAF
Unit - Provost and Security Services (Western Region) Function -
Specialist police and security support to all RAF establishments
within the West Midlands, the West Country and Mid Wales
Unit - Defence Vetting Agency (RAF) Function - Security
clearances for RAF military and civilian personnel, and defence
industry employees
Unit - Defence Communications Services Agency Function - The
Services Management Centre of the Agency, including the Primary
Network Control Centre of the Defence Fixed Telecommunications
Service
Unit - Detachment of 1001 Signals Unit, RAF Function -
Participation in the operation of the UK military communications
satellite system”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
30 March 1998 (Monday)
House of Commons Volume 309 Written Answers Columns 414-415
[Cross refer: “The UFOs That Never Were” by David Clarke, Andy Roberts and Jenny Randles, page 47 of hardback edition]
“Low Flying Training
Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
(1) what complaints were received by the RAF concerning low-flying aircraft relating to 24 March 1997; [36407]
(2) if RAF/NATO military aircraft were engaged on an exercise over Northern England between 9.30 and 10.30 pm on 24 March 1997; [36404]
(3) for what reasons the RAF imposed an air exclusion zone around Howden reservoir on the morning of 25 March 1997; [36408]
(4) what reported sightings of UFOs were received from the (a) public and (b) police from the South Yorkshire/ Derbyshire area on 24 and 25 March 1997. [36402]
Mr. Spellar: A number of military aircraft were booked to carry out low flying training in northern England on the evening of 24 March 1997. The Ministry of Defence received 13 complaints about aircraft activity for that date from locations across the UK. No reported sightings of "UFOs" on 24 or 25 March 1997 were received by my Department. A Temporary Danger Area was established on 25 March, centred on Howden Reservoir, to allow an RAF Search and Rescue helicopter,
[30 March 1998 : Written Answers Column: 415]
in response to a request for assistance from South Yorkshire Police, to carry out a search of the area without disturbance by other military aircraft. Such Danger Areas are routinely established for Search and Rescue operations.”
1
07 April 1998
House of Commons Volume 310 Written Answers Column 222
[Cross refer: “The UFOs That Never Were” by David Clarke, Andy Roberts and Jenny Randles, page 48 of hardback edition]
“Low Flying Training
Helen Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answers of 30 March 1998, Official Report, column 414, if the military exercises were carried out over the Sheffield area; what regulations govern (a) military and (b) other aircraft breaking the sound barrier; and if the sonic booms detected by Edinburgh University Seismology Unit above Sheffield, on 24 March 1997 were the result of aircraft breaking the sound barrier. [37991]
Mr. Spellar: It is not possible, twelve months after the date in question, to state precisely where military aircraft activity was being carried out. Records kept show only that aircraft were booked to carry out low flying over the Peak District between 2030 and 2107 hours local time on the evening of 24 March 1997. No low level flying is permitted over the Sheffield urban area, or any other major conurbation. Records of flying at medium level--between 2,000 and 24,000 feet--are not maintained so it is possible that there were aircraft in the area at medium level.
The regulations governing military aircraft flying at supersonic speeds are contained in the Joint Service Publication entitled 'Military Flying Regulations', an extract of which was provided in the answer I gave her on 1 April 1998, Official Report, columns 547-48. The regulations which apply to civil aviation are a matter for my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.
As for the sonic event detected by the British Geological Survey at Edinburgh University, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave her on 30 March 1998, Official Report, columns 414-15.”
29 June 1998 (Monday)
House of Commons Volume 315 column 12
“UFOs
Mr. Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of RAF Brawdy, Pembrokeshire in the investigation of sightings of unidentified flying objects. [47318]
Mr. Spellar: Brawdy ceased to be an RAF station on 31 March 1996 when the establishment was transferred to the Army.
Generally, my Department examines reports of unidentified flying objects only to establish whether there is any evidence that the United Kingdom's Air Defence Region has been penetrated by hostile or unauthorised foreign military activity. Unless a report reveals evidence of a potential threat from an external military source, no attempt is made to determine the precise nature of what might have been seen.”
2 July 1998
House of Commons volume 315 Written Answers column 260
“RAF Rudloe Manor
Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence
what functions are carried out at RAF Rudloe Manor; and which
organisations are based there.
Dr. Reid: RAF Rudloe Manor is an adinimistrative establishment
providing accommodation and support for a number of defence
organisations. The following units are located there:
Unit - RAF Provost and Security Service Function - Security
support, criminal investigations and provost assistance to the
RAF
Unit - Provost and Security Services (Western Region) Function -
Specialist police and security support to all RAF establishments
within the West Midlands, the West Country and Mid Wales
Unit - Defence Vetting Agency (RAF) Function - Security
clearances for RAF military and civilian personnel, and defence
industry employees
Unit - Defence Communications Services Agency Function - The
Services Management Centre of the Agency, including the Primary
Network Control Centre of the Defence Fixed Telecommunications
Service
Unit - Detachment of 1001 Signals Unit, RAF Function -
Participation in the operation of the UK military communications
satellite system”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
15 July 1998
House of Lords Volume 592 Written Answers Columns 25-26
Unidentified Flying Objects
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
When arrangements for disseminating reports of unidentified flying objects within the Ministry of Defence were put in place and last reviewed; and whether they will ensure that all airports, observatories, RAF bases and police stations have accurate and up-to-date instructions about how to record details of unidentified aerial phenomena reported to them, together with instructions to pass them to the appropriate authorities within the Ministry of Defence; and[HL2607]
What follow-up action is taken by the Ministry of Defence when it receives a report of an unidentified flying object; and whether checks are routinely made to see whether such reports can be correlated by radar.[HL2609]
Lord Gilbert: The Ministry of Defence's interest in reports of unidentified flying objects is limited to establishing whether there is any evidence that the United Kingdom's airspace has been penetrated by hostile or unauthorised foreign military activity and whether reporting procedures are adequate for this purpose. Unless there is evidence of a potential threat, no attempt is made to identify the precise nature of each reported incident. Arrangements within the MoD have been in place for a number of years for disseminating reports; they were last reviewed in April 1997. Where necessary, reports of unidentified flying objects are examined with the assistance of relevant MoD experts, and this may include radar correlation.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many reports of unidentified flying objects were notified to the Ministry of Defence in 1996, 1997 and the first six months of 1998; and how many of these sightings remain unexplained.[HL2608]
Lord Gilbert: The number of reports received by the Ministry of Defence of aerial activity not identifiable to the witness is as follows:
1996: 609
1997: 425
1998: 88 (January-June)
[15 July 1998: Written Answers Column 26]
Unless there is evidence to suggest that the United Kingdom's airspace has been compromised by unauthorised foreign military activity, we do not seek to provide an explanation for what might have been seen as the MoD is not resourced to provide an identification service.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in evaluating reports of unidentified flying objects, the Ministry of Defence will routinely consult staff at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, the Ballistic Missile Early Warning Centre at RAF Fylindales and the Deep Space Tracing Facility at RAF Feltwell.[HL2610]
Lord Gilbert: These or other staff may be consulted, depending on the circumstances.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Ministry of Defence has installed an answering machine on the line used by members of the public to report unidentified flying objects; and whether those people who leave contact details on the machine receive a formal reply.[HL2611]
Lord Gilbert: An answering machine enables members of the public to leave details about aerial activity or seek further information about our policy in respect of unidentified flying objects. The machine carries a message that sets out the MoD's limited interest in the subject and explains that, in the case of reported sightings, callers will be contacted only in the event that follow-up action is deemed appropriate.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many military personnel witnessed the unidentified craft that overflew RAF Cosford and RAF Shawbury on 31 March 1993; and whether, when the craft has not been identified, such an event ought to be classified as being of no defence significance.[HL2612]
Lord Gilbert: The Ministry of Defence is aware of a single report from two military personnel of an alleged sighting in the West Midlands on 31 March 1993. The facts reported were fully examined at the time. No firm conclusions were drawn then about the nature of what had been seen, but the events were not judged to be of defence significance. The MoD has no reason to doubt the judgments made at the time.”
3 September 1998
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers columns 59-60
“RAF Feltwell: Units and Roles
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list those units based at RAF Feltwell, and what functions each of these units carries out.[HL3237]
Lord Gilbert: The units based at RAF Feltwell and their roles are:
USAF 5th Space Surveillance Squadron
Tracking of man-made objects in space.
US Department of Defence Schools
: Educational establishments for dependants of USVF personnel.
: US Mathes Airmen's Leadership School
: Training for Junior NCOs.
[3 September 1998 : Written Answers Column 60]
: US Contracting Squadron
: US Visiting Forces contracting authority.
: US Army Veterinary Detachment
: Provision of veterinary services.
: US Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES)
: Furniture and retail warehouse.
: US Defence Audit Agency
: Provision of audit services.
3 September 1998
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers column 60
“RAF Feltwell: Space Tracking System
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the role of RAF Feltwell in relation to the tracking of unidentified objects in space; how many objects detected by the Deep Space Tracking System at RAF Feltwell remain unidentified; and how many of these were transmitting a signal.[HL3238]
Lord Gilbert: RAF Feltwell is responsible for tracking man-made objects in deep space. I am withholding the further information requested under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.”
3 September 1998
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers column 60
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Gilbert on 15 July (WA 25), what changes in procedures were implemented following the April 1997 review of the system to disseminate reports of unidentified flying objects; and whether airports, observatories, RAF bases and police stations receiving reports of UFOs are required to send them to the Ministry of Defence.[HL3239]
Lord Gilbert: Procedures were clarified to ensure that reports received by the department would have the attention they deserved. The department's responsibilities for maintaining the integrity of UK airspace, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review, are well known. Anybody may send in reports for assessment in that context.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
House of Lords Volume 592 Written Answers Columns 25-26
Unidentified Flying Objects
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
When arrangements for disseminating reports of unidentified flying objects within the Ministry of Defence were put in place and last reviewed; and whether they will ensure that all airports, observatories, RAF bases and police stations have accurate and up-to-date instructions about how to record details of unidentified aerial phenomena reported to them, together with instructions to pass them to the appropriate authorities within the Ministry of Defence; and[HL2607]
What follow-up action is taken by the Ministry of Defence when it receives a report of an unidentified flying object; and whether checks are routinely made to see whether such reports can be correlated by radar.[HL2609]
Lord Gilbert: The Ministry of Defence's interest in reports of unidentified flying objects is limited to establishing whether there is any evidence that the United Kingdom's airspace has been penetrated by hostile or unauthorised foreign military activity and whether reporting procedures are adequate for this purpose. Unless there is evidence of a potential threat, no attempt is made to identify the precise nature of each reported incident. Arrangements within the MoD have been in place for a number of years for disseminating reports; they were last reviewed in April 1997. Where necessary, reports of unidentified flying objects are examined with the assistance of relevant MoD experts, and this may include radar correlation.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many reports of unidentified flying objects were notified to the Ministry of Defence in 1996, 1997 and the first six months of 1998; and how many of these sightings remain unexplained.[HL2608]
Lord Gilbert: The number of reports received by the Ministry of Defence of aerial activity not identifiable to the witness is as follows:
1996: 609
1997: 425
1998: 88 (January-June)
[15 July 1998: Written Answers Column 26]
Unless there is evidence to suggest that the United Kingdom's airspace has been compromised by unauthorised foreign military activity, we do not seek to provide an explanation for what might have been seen as the MoD is not resourced to provide an identification service.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in evaluating reports of unidentified flying objects, the Ministry of Defence will routinely consult staff at the Royal Greenwich Observatory, the Ballistic Missile Early Warning Centre at RAF Fylindales and the Deep Space Tracing Facility at RAF Feltwell.[HL2610]
Lord Gilbert: These or other staff may be consulted, depending on the circumstances.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Ministry of Defence has installed an answering machine on the line used by members of the public to report unidentified flying objects; and whether those people who leave contact details on the machine receive a formal reply.[HL2611]
Lord Gilbert: An answering machine enables members of the public to leave details about aerial activity or seek further information about our policy in respect of unidentified flying objects. The machine carries a message that sets out the MoD's limited interest in the subject and explains that, in the case of reported sightings, callers will be contacted only in the event that follow-up action is deemed appropriate.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many military personnel witnessed the unidentified craft that overflew RAF Cosford and RAF Shawbury on 31 March 1993; and whether, when the craft has not been identified, such an event ought to be classified as being of no defence significance.[HL2612]
Lord Gilbert: The Ministry of Defence is aware of a single report from two military personnel of an alleged sighting in the West Midlands on 31 March 1993. The facts reported were fully examined at the time. No firm conclusions were drawn then about the nature of what had been seen, but the events were not judged to be of defence significance. The MoD has no reason to doubt the judgments made at the time.”
3 September 1998
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers columns 59-60
“RAF Feltwell: Units and Roles
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list those units based at RAF Feltwell, and what functions each of these units carries out.[HL3237]
Lord Gilbert: The units based at RAF Feltwell and their roles are:
USAF 5th Space Surveillance Squadron
Tracking of man-made objects in space.
US Department of Defence Schools
: Educational establishments for dependants of USVF personnel.
: US Mathes Airmen's Leadership School
: Training for Junior NCOs.
[3 September 1998 : Written Answers Column 60]
: US Contracting Squadron
: US Visiting Forces contracting authority.
: US Army Veterinary Detachment
: Provision of veterinary services.
: US Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES)
: Furniture and retail warehouse.
: US Defence Audit Agency
: Provision of audit services.
3 September 1998
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers column 60
“RAF Feltwell: Space Tracking System
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the role of RAF Feltwell in relation to the tracking of unidentified objects in space; how many objects detected by the Deep Space Tracking System at RAF Feltwell remain unidentified; and how many of these were transmitting a signal.[HL3238]
Lord Gilbert: RAF Feltwell is responsible for tracking man-made objects in deep space. I am withholding the further information requested under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.”
3 September 1998
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers column 60
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Gilbert on 15 July (WA 25), what changes in procedures were implemented following the April 1997 review of the system to disseminate reports of unidentified flying objects; and whether airports, observatories, RAF bases and police stations receiving reports of UFOs are required to send them to the Ministry of Defence.[HL3239]
Lord Gilbert: Procedures were clarified to ensure that reports received by the department would have the attention they deserved. The department's responsibilities for maintaining the integrity of UK airspace, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review, are well known. Anybody may send in reports for assessment in that context.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
14 October 1998 (Wednesday)
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers Columns 99-101
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the document references and titles of all open files at the Public Record Office that contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3314]
The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg): I list below the document references and titles of all open files at the Public Record Office known to staff to contain information about unidentified flying objects. There may be information in other open files but this could be discovered only at disproportionate cost.
AIR 2 Air Ministry Registered Files
AIR 2/16918 1961-1963, alleged sightings of UFO's. Letters from members of the public on alleged sightings. Magazine entitled Cosmic Voice "Mars and Venus Speak to Earth", dated November-December 1961/Article entitled Men from Outer Space: Are they visiting Britain?
AIR 2/17318 1963 UFO reports
AIR 2/17526 1964 UFO reports
AIR 2/17527 1964-1965 UFO reports
AIR 2/17982 1965-1966 UFO reports
AIR 2/17983 1966 UFO reports (with photographs)
AIR 2/17984 1966-67 UFO reports (with photographs)
AIR 14 Bomber Command
AIR 14/2800 1943 December No. 115 Squadron: News Sheet Bang On No. 1. Aerial phenomena--reports of UFOs on RAF bombing raids.
AIR 16 Fighter Command
AIR 16/1199 1952 September Flying saucers: occurrence reports by service personnel at Topcliffe station, Thirsk, and local public.
AIR 20 Unregistered Papers
AIR 20/7390 1952 Reported sightings of UFOs: memorandum prepared for the War Office.
AIR 20/9320 1957 Parliamentary Question from 17 April 1957 by Mr. Stan Awbery MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Air, what recent investigations have been made into unidentified flying objects; what photographs have been taken; and what reports have been made on this subject. Reply by the Secretary of State (Mr. Ward). Notes on UFOs provided for the Minister's use. Also: UFO incident at West Freugh in Wigtownshire in 1957; incidents and signals at RAF Church Lawford, RAF Bempton and RAF Lakenheath; newspaper clippings 6 April 1957 from the News Chronicle and the Evening Standard;, photographs of object over the Channel Islands from the Daily Sketch of 6 April 1957.
AIR 20/9321 1957 Parliamentary Question 15 May 1957 from Major Patrick Wall MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Air, how many unidentified flying objects have been detected over Great Britain this year as
[14 October 1998 : Written Answers Column 100]
compared with previous years; and whether the object picked up on radar over the Dover Straits on 29 April has yet been identified. Further questions to the Minister from Mr. Frank Beswick MP. Notes for Minister on reported sightings. Replies by Mr. Ward. Newspaper clippings April-May 1957: The Times, News Chronicle, Daily Worker, Daily Mirror, Daily Sketch, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and the Evening News.
AIR 20/9322 1957 Parliamentary Question 15 May 1957 from Mr. Frank Beswick MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Air, what was the nature of the aircraft or other aircraft sighted on the radar defence screens on Monday night and which occasioned the despatch of Fighter Command. Reply by Mr. Ward. Notes for Ministers. AIR 20/9994 Headquarters Southern Section Intelligence. Reports on Aerial Phenomena, including "observation of unusual aerial phenomena at Royal Air Force Ventor on 29 July 1957". Two Copies of "Track Tracing" Sheets. Description of UFOs, for example, RAF Lyneham 9 December 1957: "December 1957: Description large bright crescent shaped object or could be a sphere with trails from edges. Travelling on a course of 290 degrees at a moderate speed. Seemed to be descending and not at a very great height".
AIR 20/11887 1967 August (with maps)
AIR 20/11888 1967 September
AIR 20/11889 1967 October (with photographs)
AIR 20/11890 1967 October (with maps)
AIR 20/11891 1967 November (with maps)
AIR 20/11892 1967 November
AIR 20/11893 1967 December
AIR 22 Periodical Returns, Summaries and Bulletins
AIR 22/93 1955 Air Ministry Secret Intelligence Summary March 1955. Volume 10, Article No. 3 on Flying Saucers "An object was reported . . .".
PREM 11 Prime Minister's Office: Correspondence and Papers, 1951-1964.
PREM 11/855 1952 Personal Minute from the Prime Minister, Mr. Winston Churchill to the Secretary of State for Air, Lord Cheswell, dated 28 July 1952. "What does all this stuff about flying saucers amount to? What can it mean? What is the truth? Let me have a report at your convenience." Minute from the Secretary of State, dated 9 August 1952, dismissing stories about flying saucers.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the document references and titles of all closed files at the Public Record Office that contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3315]
The Lord Chancellor: I list below the document references and titles of all closed files in the Public Record Office known to its staff to contain information about unidentified flying objects. There may be information in other closed files but this could be discovered only at disproportionate cost.
14 Oct 1998 : Column WA101
AIR 2 Air Ministry: Registered Files
AIR 2/18183 1968-1969 Unidentified Flying Objects*
AIR 20 Unregistered Papers
AIR 20/11612 1967-1968 Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)*
AIR 20/11895 1968 April UFOs*
AIR 20/11896 1968 May UFOs*
AIR 20/11897 1968 June UFOs*
AIR 20/11898 1968 July UFOs*
AIR 20/11899 1968 August UFOs*
AIR 20/11900 1968 September UFOs*
AIR 20/11901 1968 October UFOs*
AIR 20/11902 1968 November UFOs*
AIR 20/12055 1969 January UFOs*
AIR 20/12056 1969 February UFOs*
AIR 20/12057 1969 March UFOs*
AIR 20/12058 1969 April UFOs*
AIR 20/12059 1969 May UFOs*
AIR 20/12060 1969 June UFOs*
AIR 20/12061 1969 July UFOs*
AIR 20/12062 1969 August UFOs*
AIR 20/12063 1969 September UFOs*
AIR 20/12064 1969 October UFOs*
AIR 20/12065 1969 November UFOs*
AIR 20/12066 1969 December UFOs*
AIR 20/12067 1970 January UFOs*
AIR 20/12297 1970 February UFOs*
AIR 20/12298 1970 March UFOs*
AIR 20/12299 1970 April UFOs*
AIR 20/12300 1970 May UFOs*
AIR 20/12301 1970 June UFOs*
AIR 20/12302 1970 July UFOs*
AIR 20/12303 1970 August UFOs*
AIR 20/12304 1970 September UFOs*
AIR 20/12305 1970 October UFOs*
AIR 20/12306 1970 November UFOs*
* = Thirty year closure rule applies.”
19 October 1998 (Monday)
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers columns 131-132
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Gilbert on 3 September (WA 60), whether airports, observatories, RAF bases and police stations are still required to forward details of any report they receive of an unidentified flying object to the Ministry of Defence, or whether such action is now only discretionary, following the April 1997 review of procedures.[HL3313]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert): There is no requirement for anyone to submit 'UFO' sighting reports to the MoD, other than for
[19 Oct 1998: Column WA132]
military air defence purposes. However, any reports sent to the department will be given the attention they deserve, commensurate with the quality of information provided.
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers Columns 99-101
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the document references and titles of all open files at the Public Record Office that contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3314]
The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg): I list below the document references and titles of all open files at the Public Record Office known to staff to contain information about unidentified flying objects. There may be information in other open files but this could be discovered only at disproportionate cost.
AIR 2 Air Ministry Registered Files
AIR 2/16918 1961-1963, alleged sightings of UFO's. Letters from members of the public on alleged sightings. Magazine entitled Cosmic Voice "Mars and Venus Speak to Earth", dated November-December 1961/Article entitled Men from Outer Space: Are they visiting Britain?
AIR 2/17318 1963 UFO reports
AIR 2/17526 1964 UFO reports
AIR 2/17527 1964-1965 UFO reports
AIR 2/17982 1965-1966 UFO reports
AIR 2/17983 1966 UFO reports (with photographs)
AIR 2/17984 1966-67 UFO reports (with photographs)
AIR 14 Bomber Command
AIR 14/2800 1943 December No. 115 Squadron: News Sheet Bang On No. 1. Aerial phenomena--reports of UFOs on RAF bombing raids.
AIR 16 Fighter Command
AIR 16/1199 1952 September Flying saucers: occurrence reports by service personnel at Topcliffe station, Thirsk, and local public.
AIR 20 Unregistered Papers
AIR 20/7390 1952 Reported sightings of UFOs: memorandum prepared for the War Office.
AIR 20/9320 1957 Parliamentary Question from 17 April 1957 by Mr. Stan Awbery MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Air, what recent investigations have been made into unidentified flying objects; what photographs have been taken; and what reports have been made on this subject. Reply by the Secretary of State (Mr. Ward). Notes on UFOs provided for the Minister's use. Also: UFO incident at West Freugh in Wigtownshire in 1957; incidents and signals at RAF Church Lawford, RAF Bempton and RAF Lakenheath; newspaper clippings 6 April 1957 from the News Chronicle and the Evening Standard;, photographs of object over the Channel Islands from the Daily Sketch of 6 April 1957.
AIR 20/9321 1957 Parliamentary Question 15 May 1957 from Major Patrick Wall MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Air, how many unidentified flying objects have been detected over Great Britain this year as
[14 October 1998 : Written Answers Column 100]
compared with previous years; and whether the object picked up on radar over the Dover Straits on 29 April has yet been identified. Further questions to the Minister from Mr. Frank Beswick MP. Notes for Minister on reported sightings. Replies by Mr. Ward. Newspaper clippings April-May 1957: The Times, News Chronicle, Daily Worker, Daily Mirror, Daily Sketch, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express and the Evening News.
AIR 20/9322 1957 Parliamentary Question 15 May 1957 from Mr. Frank Beswick MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Air, what was the nature of the aircraft or other aircraft sighted on the radar defence screens on Monday night and which occasioned the despatch of Fighter Command. Reply by Mr. Ward. Notes for Ministers. AIR 20/9994 Headquarters Southern Section Intelligence. Reports on Aerial Phenomena, including "observation of unusual aerial phenomena at Royal Air Force Ventor on 29 July 1957". Two Copies of "Track Tracing" Sheets. Description of UFOs, for example, RAF Lyneham 9 December 1957: "December 1957: Description large bright crescent shaped object or could be a sphere with trails from edges. Travelling on a course of 290 degrees at a moderate speed. Seemed to be descending and not at a very great height".
AIR 20/11887 1967 August (with maps)
AIR 20/11888 1967 September
AIR 20/11889 1967 October (with photographs)
AIR 20/11890 1967 October (with maps)
AIR 20/11891 1967 November (with maps)
AIR 20/11892 1967 November
AIR 20/11893 1967 December
AIR 22 Periodical Returns, Summaries and Bulletins
AIR 22/93 1955 Air Ministry Secret Intelligence Summary March 1955. Volume 10, Article No. 3 on Flying Saucers "An object was reported . . .".
PREM 11 Prime Minister's Office: Correspondence and Papers, 1951-1964.
PREM 11/855 1952 Personal Minute from the Prime Minister, Mr. Winston Churchill to the Secretary of State for Air, Lord Cheswell, dated 28 July 1952. "What does all this stuff about flying saucers amount to? What can it mean? What is the truth? Let me have a report at your convenience." Minute from the Secretary of State, dated 9 August 1952, dismissing stories about flying saucers.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the document references and titles of all closed files at the Public Record Office that contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3315]
The Lord Chancellor: I list below the document references and titles of all closed files in the Public Record Office known to its staff to contain information about unidentified flying objects. There may be information in other closed files but this could be discovered only at disproportionate cost.
14 Oct 1998 : Column WA101
AIR 2 Air Ministry: Registered Files
AIR 2/18183 1968-1969 Unidentified Flying Objects*
AIR 20 Unregistered Papers
AIR 20/11612 1967-1968 Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs)*
AIR 20/11895 1968 April UFOs*
AIR 20/11896 1968 May UFOs*
AIR 20/11897 1968 June UFOs*
AIR 20/11898 1968 July UFOs*
AIR 20/11899 1968 August UFOs*
AIR 20/11900 1968 September UFOs*
AIR 20/11901 1968 October UFOs*
AIR 20/11902 1968 November UFOs*
AIR 20/12055 1969 January UFOs*
AIR 20/12056 1969 February UFOs*
AIR 20/12057 1969 March UFOs*
AIR 20/12058 1969 April UFOs*
AIR 20/12059 1969 May UFOs*
AIR 20/12060 1969 June UFOs*
AIR 20/12061 1969 July UFOs*
AIR 20/12062 1969 August UFOs*
AIR 20/12063 1969 September UFOs*
AIR 20/12064 1969 October UFOs*
AIR 20/12065 1969 November UFOs*
AIR 20/12066 1969 December UFOs*
AIR 20/12067 1970 January UFOs*
AIR 20/12297 1970 February UFOs*
AIR 20/12298 1970 March UFOs*
AIR 20/12299 1970 April UFOs*
AIR 20/12300 1970 May UFOs*
AIR 20/12301 1970 June UFOs*
AIR 20/12302 1970 July UFOs*
AIR 20/12303 1970 August UFOs*
AIR 20/12304 1970 September UFOs*
AIR 20/12305 1970 October UFOs*
AIR 20/12306 1970 November UFOs*
* = Thirty year closure rule applies.”
19 October 1998 (Monday)
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers columns 131-132
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Gilbert on 3 September (WA 60), whether airports, observatories, RAF bases and police stations are still required to forward details of any report they receive of an unidentified flying object to the Ministry of Defence, or whether such action is now only discretionary, following the April 1997 review of procedures.[HL3313]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert): There is no requirement for anyone to submit 'UFO' sighting reports to the MoD, other than for
[19 Oct 1998: Column WA132]
military air defence purposes. However, any reports sent to the department will be given the attention they deserve, commensurate with the quality of information provided.
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
21 October 1998 (Wednesday)
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers Column 158
“UFOs: MoD Answering Machine
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that the answering machine which the Ministry of Defence uses both to explain its policy on unidentified flying objects and to provide a facility for the public to report sightings is turned on at all times and not switched off outside working hours.[HL3407]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert): Yes.”
19 November 1998 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 594 Written Answers columns 190-191
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the references and titles of all open and closed files currently held by the Ministry of Defence which contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3910]
Lord Gilbert: Within the Air Staff Secretariat, the Ministry of Defence focal point for all matters relating to "UFOs", a total of 76 files dating from 1985 are held. These files contain public correspondence, sighting reports and associated papers and are referenced as follows:
Reference:
D/Sec(AS)/12/1) 5 parts dealing with policy D/Sec(AS)/64/1) issues.
[19 Nov 1998 : Column WA191]
D/Sec(AS)/12/2)
D/Sec(AS)/12/2/1)
D/Sec(AS)/12/5) 27 parts dealing with alleged D/Sec(AS)/12/6) sightings.
D/Sec(AS)/12/7)
D/Sec(AS)/64/2)
D/Sec(AS)/12/3) 34 parts dealing with public D/Sec(AS)/64/3) correspondence.
D/Sec(AS)/12/4) 8 parts dealing with D/Sec(AS)/64/4) Parliamentary business
D/Sec(AS)/64/5 1 part for media issues.
D/Sec(AS)/64/6 1 part listing answerphone messages.
It is possible that some files held in other MoD headquarters divisions or establishments may contain papers relating to this topic. but these could only be identified and provided at disproportionate cost.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Chancellor on 14 October (WA 100), whether they will authorise the opening of the thirty-three closed files at the Public Record Office which contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3909]
Lord Gilbert: The 33 files identified contain correspondence between members of the public and officials. They will be released at the 30 year point in the normal way.”
17 December 1998 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 595 Written Answers columns 176-8
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Chancellor on 14 October ([volume 593] WA 99-100) and by the Lord Gilbert on 19 November ([volume 594] WA 190), what is the location of the Ministry of Defence files covering the period 1970-1985 which contain information about UFOs; and what are the references and the titles of these files?[HL310]
[17 December 1998 : Written Answers Column 177]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert): Thirty-eight files are held at the Public Record Office for release under the terms of the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967, the 30-year rule applying:
AIR 2/18564 & 18565 UFO Reports--due for release 2002.
AIR 20/12067, 12297 to 12306 Unidentified flying objects-due for release 2001.
AIR 20/12399 to 12411 UFO reports--due for release 2003.
AIR 20/12544 to 12555 UFO reports--due for release 2004.
BJ 5/311 UFO: Met aspects--due for release 2001
Four files are held by the MoD records management branch pending acceptance and transfer to the PRO, PRO references and transfer arrangements awaiting confirmation:
AF/7463/72 UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18831 for release in 2003.
AF/7464/72 UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18872 for release in 2004.
AF/7464/72 Pt. II UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18873 for release in 2005.
AF/7464/72 Pt. III UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18874 for release in 2006.
In the absence of a thematic index of files stored in MoD's archives the identification of files has, of necessity, been limited to those created by the Air Staff Secretariat and predecessor branches. The following files have been identified and are earmarked for review by MoD at future dates, at which point they will be assessed for their suitability for preservation at the PRO. It is possible that some files created by other Headquarters divisions or establishments may contain papers on this topic. These could only be identified at disproportionate cost:
AF/S4f(A)/422--one file--UFOs, BBC Radio Oxford Programme.
AF/S4f(Air) U/506--one file--Statistical Analyses of UFOs.
AF/3459/75--one file--UFOs: Policy and Policy statements--1970.
AF/584 to 595--12 files--UFO reports.
AF/596 to 602--seven files--UFO reports.
AF/447--one file--UFO reports.
AF/607 & 608--two files--UFO reports.
AF/610 to 613--four files--UFO reports.
AF/616 to 619--four files--UFO reports.
AF/419--one file--BBC 2, Man Alive Programme: UFOs.
[17 Dec 1998 : Written Answers Column 178]
D/DS8/75/2/1--six parts--UFO reports, correspondence.
D/DS9/75/2/2--12 parts--UFO correspondence.
D/DS8/75/2/3--six parts--UFO reports, edited copies.
D/DS8/75/2/4--three parts--UFO reports.
D/DS8/75/2/5--two parts--UFO reports.
D/DS8/75/3--one part--UFO, Parliamentary Correspondence.
D/DS8/75/6--one part--UFO, TV discussion.
D/DS8/75/7--one part--UFO, satellite debris.
D/DS8/10/209--seven parts--UFO briefs, reports and correspondence.
D/DS8/10/209/1--three parts--general briefs, reports, UFO correspondence.
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
House of Lords Volume 593 Written Answers Column 158
“UFOs: MoD Answering Machine
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that the answering machine which the Ministry of Defence uses both to explain its policy on unidentified flying objects and to provide a facility for the public to report sightings is turned on at all times and not switched off outside working hours.[HL3407]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert): Yes.”
19 November 1998 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 594 Written Answers columns 190-191
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will list the references and titles of all open and closed files currently held by the Ministry of Defence which contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3910]
Lord Gilbert: Within the Air Staff Secretariat, the Ministry of Defence focal point for all matters relating to "UFOs", a total of 76 files dating from 1985 are held. These files contain public correspondence, sighting reports and associated papers and are referenced as follows:
Reference:
D/Sec(AS)/12/1) 5 parts dealing with policy D/Sec(AS)/64/1) issues.
[19 Nov 1998 : Column WA191]
D/Sec(AS)/12/2)
D/Sec(AS)/12/2/1)
D/Sec(AS)/12/5) 27 parts dealing with alleged D/Sec(AS)/12/6) sightings.
D/Sec(AS)/12/7)
D/Sec(AS)/64/2)
D/Sec(AS)/12/3) 34 parts dealing with public D/Sec(AS)/64/3) correspondence.
D/Sec(AS)/12/4) 8 parts dealing with D/Sec(AS)/64/4) Parliamentary business
D/Sec(AS)/64/5 1 part for media issues.
D/Sec(AS)/64/6 1 part listing answerphone messages.
It is possible that some files held in other MoD headquarters divisions or establishments may contain papers relating to this topic. but these could only be identified and provided at disproportionate cost.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Chancellor on 14 October (WA 100), whether they will authorise the opening of the thirty-three closed files at the Public Record Office which contain information about unidentified flying objects.[HL3909]
Lord Gilbert: The 33 files identified contain correspondence between members of the public and officials. They will be released at the 30 year point in the normal way.”
17 December 1998 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 595 Written Answers columns 176-8
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Chancellor on 14 October ([volume 593] WA 99-100) and by the Lord Gilbert on 19 November ([volume 594] WA 190), what is the location of the Ministry of Defence files covering the period 1970-1985 which contain information about UFOs; and what are the references and the titles of these files?[HL310]
[17 December 1998 : Written Answers Column 177]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Gilbert): Thirty-eight files are held at the Public Record Office for release under the terms of the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967, the 30-year rule applying:
AIR 2/18564 & 18565 UFO Reports--due for release 2002.
AIR 20/12067, 12297 to 12306 Unidentified flying objects-due for release 2001.
AIR 20/12399 to 12411 UFO reports--due for release 2003.
AIR 20/12544 to 12555 UFO reports--due for release 2004.
BJ 5/311 UFO: Met aspects--due for release 2001
Four files are held by the MoD records management branch pending acceptance and transfer to the PRO, PRO references and transfer arrangements awaiting confirmation:
AF/7463/72 UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18831 for release in 2003.
AF/7464/72 UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18872 for release in 2004.
AF/7464/72 Pt. II UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18873 for release in 2005.
AF/7464/72 Pt. III UFO reports--provisionally assigned to PRO reference AIR 2/18874 for release in 2006.
In the absence of a thematic index of files stored in MoD's archives the identification of files has, of necessity, been limited to those created by the Air Staff Secretariat and predecessor branches. The following files have been identified and are earmarked for review by MoD at future dates, at which point they will be assessed for their suitability for preservation at the PRO. It is possible that some files created by other Headquarters divisions or establishments may contain papers on this topic. These could only be identified at disproportionate cost:
AF/S4f(A)/422--one file--UFOs, BBC Radio Oxford Programme.
AF/S4f(Air) U/506--one file--Statistical Analyses of UFOs.
AF/3459/75--one file--UFOs: Policy and Policy statements--1970.
AF/584 to 595--12 files--UFO reports.
AF/596 to 602--seven files--UFO reports.
AF/447--one file--UFO reports.
AF/607 & 608--two files--UFO reports.
AF/610 to 613--four files--UFO reports.
AF/616 to 619--four files--UFO reports.
AF/419--one file--BBC 2, Man Alive Programme: UFOs.
[17 Dec 1998 : Written Answers Column 178]
D/DS8/75/2/1--six parts--UFO reports, correspondence.
D/DS9/75/2/2--12 parts--UFO correspondence.
D/DS8/75/2/3--six parts--UFO reports, edited copies.
D/DS8/75/2/4--three parts--UFO reports.
D/DS8/75/2/5--two parts--UFO reports.
D/DS8/75/3--one part--UFO, Parliamentary Correspondence.
D/DS8/75/6--one part--UFO, TV discussion.
D/DS8/75/7--one part--UFO, satellite debris.
D/DS8/10/209--seven parts--UFO briefs, reports and correspondence.
D/DS8/10/209/1--three parts--general briefs, reports, UFO correspondence.
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
2001
25 January 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 621 Written Answers columns 21-22
“Rendlesham Forest Incident
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any involvement by Special Branch personnel in the investigation of the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident.[HL303]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Special Branch officers may have been aware of the incident but would not have shown an interest unless there was evidence of
[25 Jan 2001 : Column WA22]
a potential threat to national security. No such interest appears to have been shown.
Lord Hill-Norton aked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether personnel from Porton Down visited Rendlesham Forest or the area surrounding RAF Walton in December 1980 or January 1981; and whether they are aware of any tests carried out in either of those two areas aimed at assessing any nuclear, biological or chemical hazard.[HL301]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The staff at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) laboratories at Porton Down have made a thorough search of their archives and have found no record of any such visits.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any uncorrelated targets tracked on radar in November or December 1980; and whether they will give details of any such incidents.[HL302]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Records dating from 1980 no longer exist. Paper records are retained for a period of three years before being destroyed. Recordings of radar data are retained for a period of thirty days prior to re-use of the recording medium.”
25 January 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 621 Written Answers column 22
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the highest classification that has been applied to any Ministry of Defence document concerning Unidentified Flying Objects.[HL304]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: A limited search through available files has identified a number of documents graded Secret. The overall classification of the documents was not dictated by details of specific sightings of "UFOs".”
30 January 2001 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 621 Written Answers columns 49-50
“Rendlesham Forest/RAF Bentwaters Incident
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will detail the underground facilities at the former RAF Bentwaters installation; and what is the purpose of these facilities.[HL320]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean): There are no underground facilities at the former RAF Bentwaters.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any involvement in the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident by either Ministry of Defence Police or personnel from the Suffolk Constabulary.[HL321]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Minister of Defence is not aware of any involvement by the Ministry of Defence Police in the alleged incident. The Ministry of Defence's knowledge of involvement by the Suffolk Police is limited to a letter dated 28 July 1999 from the Suffolk Constabulary to Georgina Bruni that is contained in the recent book.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any investigation of the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident carried out by the United States Air force, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations or any other United States agency.[HL322]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Ministry of Defence's knowledge of an investigation by the US authorities into the alleged incident in Rendlesham Forest in 1980 is limited to the information contained in the memorandum sent by Lt Col Halt USAF, Deputy Base Commander at RAF Woodbridge, to the RAF Liaison Officer at RAF Bentwaters on 13 January 1981.
[30 January 2001, Written Answers Column 50]
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the new information contained in Georgina Bruni's book You Can't Tell the People, they will now launch an investigation into the Rendlesham Forest incident and the response to this incident by the United States Air Force and the Ministry of Defence.[HL352]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: No additional information has come to light over the last 20 years to call into question the original judgment by the Ministry of Defence that nothing of defence significance occurred in the location of Rendlesham Forest in 1980. Accordingly there is no reason to hold an investigation now.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made any approach to, or received any approach from, any United States government or military agency concerning Georgina Bruni's book You Can't Tell the People; and, if so, whether they will give details of any such approach. [HL353]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: As a matter of courtesy, the Ministry of Defence informed Headquarters 3rd Air Force at RAF Mildenhall about the book. The US authorities have not subsequently approached the Ministry of Defence on the issue.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they now agree with the analysis of the basic facts of the Rendlesham Forest/RAF Bentwaters incident in the fourth paragraph of Lord Hill-Norton's letter to Lord Gilbert of 22 October 1997, reported on page 429 of Georgina Bruni's book You Can't Tell the People; or, if not, in what respect they disagree. [HL354]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Ministry of Defence's position regarding this alleged sighting remains as it did at the time of Lord Gilbert's reply to the noble Lord's letter of 22nd October 1997. From surviving departmental records, we remain satisfied that nothing of defence significance occurred on the nights in question.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
25 January 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 621 Written Answers columns 21-22
“Rendlesham Forest Incident
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any involvement by Special Branch personnel in the investigation of the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident.[HL303]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Special Branch officers may have been aware of the incident but would not have shown an interest unless there was evidence of
[25 Jan 2001 : Column WA22]
a potential threat to national security. No such interest appears to have been shown.
Lord Hill-Norton aked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether personnel from Porton Down visited Rendlesham Forest or the area surrounding RAF Walton in December 1980 or January 1981; and whether they are aware of any tests carried out in either of those two areas aimed at assessing any nuclear, biological or chemical hazard.[HL301]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The staff at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) Chemical and Biological Defence (CBD) laboratories at Porton Down have made a thorough search of their archives and have found no record of any such visits.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any uncorrelated targets tracked on radar in November or December 1980; and whether they will give details of any such incidents.[HL302]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: Records dating from 1980 no longer exist. Paper records are retained for a period of three years before being destroyed. Recordings of radar data are retained for a period of thirty days prior to re-use of the recording medium.”
25 January 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 621 Written Answers column 22
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the highest classification that has been applied to any Ministry of Defence document concerning Unidentified Flying Objects.[HL304]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: A limited search through available files has identified a number of documents graded Secret. The overall classification of the documents was not dictated by details of specific sightings of "UFOs".”
30 January 2001 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 621 Written Answers columns 49-50
“Rendlesham Forest/RAF Bentwaters Incident
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will detail the underground facilities at the former RAF Bentwaters installation; and what is the purpose of these facilities.[HL320]
The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean): There are no underground facilities at the former RAF Bentwaters.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any involvement in the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident by either Ministry of Defence Police or personnel from the Suffolk Constabulary.[HL321]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Minister of Defence is not aware of any involvement by the Ministry of Defence Police in the alleged incident. The Ministry of Defence's knowledge of involvement by the Suffolk Police is limited to a letter dated 28 July 1999 from the Suffolk Constabulary to Georgina Bruni that is contained in the recent book.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of any investigation of the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident carried out by the United States Air force, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations or any other United States agency.[HL322]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Ministry of Defence's knowledge of an investigation by the US authorities into the alleged incident in Rendlesham Forest in 1980 is limited to the information contained in the memorandum sent by Lt Col Halt USAF, Deputy Base Commander at RAF Woodbridge, to the RAF Liaison Officer at RAF Bentwaters on 13 January 1981.
[30 January 2001, Written Answers Column 50]
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of the new information contained in Georgina Bruni's book You Can't Tell the People, they will now launch an investigation into the Rendlesham Forest incident and the response to this incident by the United States Air Force and the Ministry of Defence.[HL352]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: No additional information has come to light over the last 20 years to call into question the original judgment by the Ministry of Defence that nothing of defence significance occurred in the location of Rendlesham Forest in 1980. Accordingly there is no reason to hold an investigation now.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have made any approach to, or received any approach from, any United States government or military agency concerning Georgina Bruni's book You Can't Tell the People; and, if so, whether they will give details of any such approach. [HL353]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: As a matter of courtesy, the Ministry of Defence informed Headquarters 3rd Air Force at RAF Mildenhall about the book. The US authorities have not subsequently approached the Ministry of Defence on the issue.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they now agree with the analysis of the basic facts of the Rendlesham Forest/RAF Bentwaters incident in the fourth paragraph of Lord Hill-Norton's letter to Lord Gilbert of 22 October 1997, reported on page 429 of Georgina Bruni's book You Can't Tell the People; or, if not, in what respect they disagree. [HL354]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Ministry of Defence's position regarding this alleged sighting remains as it did at the time of Lord Gilbert's reply to the noble Lord's letter of 22nd October 1997. From surviving departmental records, we remain satisfied that nothing of defence significance occurred on the nights in question.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
30 April 2001 (Monday)
House of Lords Volume 624 Written Answers Column 68-69
“Unidentified flying objects - Tree felling
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they requested or instructed the Forestry Commission to fell any trees in Rendlesham Forest or Tanham Woods in the aftermath of the Rendlesham Forest incident; and, if so, on what grounds. [HL1810]
Baroness Hayman: The Forestry Commission was not instructed to fell any trees after the alleged incident in Rendlesham Forest in December 1980. Most of the trees in the area had been selected and marked for felling well before the alleged incident and were felled several months after it.”
03 May 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 624 Written Answers Column 135
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 25 January (WA 22), why the unidentified flying objects documents referred to were classified secret; whether these documents had any caveats attached to them; and what was the reason for any such caveats.[HL1808]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: One document was classified "Secret" with a "UK Eyes Only" caveat because it contained information about the UK air defence ground environment that could be of significant value to hostile or potentially hostile states. Associated correspondence was given the same classification. Generally, however notifications of and correspondence on the subject of "UFO" sightings are unclassified.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in line with previous ministerial commitments, they will give an undertaking not to destroy any files containing information on unidentified flying objects.[HL1811]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Public Records Acts of 1958 and 1967 place a responsibility on all government departments to review the records which are generated within the department, to select those which are worthy of permanent preservation and transfer them to the Public Record Office.
It was generally the case that before 1967 all "UFO" files were destroyed after five years, as there was unsufficient public interest in the subject to merit their permanent retention. However, since 1967, given the general levels of public and occasional academic interest, it has been Ministry of Defence policy to preserve "UFO" report files. There are no plans to change this policy.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many unidentified flying object sightings were reported to the Ministry of Defence in 1998, 1999 and 2000.[HL1813]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The numbers of "unidentified flying object" sightings reported to the Ministry of Defence in 1998, 1999 and 2000 were as follows:
1998: 193
1999: 229
2000: 210”
08 May 2001 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 624 Written Answers columns 171-172
“UFOs and MoD House Journal
Lord Hill Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whose decision it was to drop various features concerning unidentified flying objects from the December edition of the Ministry of Defences house journal Focus; why this decision was taken; and whether any defence Ministers were briefed on this. [HL 1812].
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The editorial team of the in-house journal Focus decides the content of each edition, selecting from a range of competing potential topics and looking to achieve a balance of departmental news and more general interest pieces. In common with the overwhelming majority of such decisions, Ministers were not briefed about the selection of articles for the December 2000 edition.”
04 October 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers columns 58-59
“Blundeston Prison and Hollesley Bay YOI : Possible Evacuation
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 26 April, 624 c240WA, whether the examination of the governor's journal at Blundeston prison revealed any details of an alert during 25 to 30 December 1980; and whether in this period there was any mention of RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge or Rendlesham Forest. [HL 734].
Lord Rooker: The governor’s journal revealed no such details and there was no mention of RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge or Rendlesham Forest.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What is their response to the absence of the governor’s journals covering the period 25 to 30 December 1980 in respect of Hollesley and Highpoint prisons; and whether, in the absence of their records, they will consult the then governors about any alert or warning to evacuate during that period. [HL735]
[column 59]
Lord Rooker: The governor’s journal is a record of day-to-day events, and the absence of journals so long after the event is not a cause for concern. The governors of Hollesley Bay and Highpoint prisons in December 1980 are no longer in the service and I am not persuaded that the effort required to trace them is justified.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
House of Lords Volume 624 Written Answers Column 68-69
“Unidentified flying objects - Tree felling
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they requested or instructed the Forestry Commission to fell any trees in Rendlesham Forest or Tanham Woods in the aftermath of the Rendlesham Forest incident; and, if so, on what grounds. [HL1810]
Baroness Hayman: The Forestry Commission was not instructed to fell any trees after the alleged incident in Rendlesham Forest in December 1980. Most of the trees in the area had been selected and marked for felling well before the alleged incident and were felled several months after it.”
03 May 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 624 Written Answers Column 135
“Unidentified Flying Objects
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 25 January (WA 22), why the unidentified flying objects documents referred to were classified secret; whether these documents had any caveats attached to them; and what was the reason for any such caveats.[HL1808]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: One document was classified "Secret" with a "UK Eyes Only" caveat because it contained information about the UK air defence ground environment that could be of significant value to hostile or potentially hostile states. Associated correspondence was given the same classification. Generally, however notifications of and correspondence on the subject of "UFO" sightings are unclassified.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in line with previous ministerial commitments, they will give an undertaking not to destroy any files containing information on unidentified flying objects.[HL1811]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Public Records Acts of 1958 and 1967 place a responsibility on all government departments to review the records which are generated within the department, to select those which are worthy of permanent preservation and transfer them to the Public Record Office.
It was generally the case that before 1967 all "UFO" files were destroyed after five years, as there was unsufficient public interest in the subject to merit their permanent retention. However, since 1967, given the general levels of public and occasional academic interest, it has been Ministry of Defence policy to preserve "UFO" report files. There are no plans to change this policy.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many unidentified flying object sightings were reported to the Ministry of Defence in 1998, 1999 and 2000.[HL1813]
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The numbers of "unidentified flying object" sightings reported to the Ministry of Defence in 1998, 1999 and 2000 were as follows:
1998: 193
1999: 229
2000: 210”
08 May 2001 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 624 Written Answers columns 171-172
“UFOs and MoD House Journal
Lord Hill Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whose decision it was to drop various features concerning unidentified flying objects from the December edition of the Ministry of Defences house journal Focus; why this decision was taken; and whether any defence Ministers were briefed on this. [HL 1812].
Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The editorial team of the in-house journal Focus decides the content of each edition, selecting from a range of competing potential topics and looking to achieve a balance of departmental news and more general interest pieces. In common with the overwhelming majority of such decisions, Ministers were not briefed about the selection of articles for the December 2000 edition.”
04 October 2001 (Thursday)
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers columns 58-59
“Blundeston Prison and Hollesley Bay YOI : Possible Evacuation
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Bassam of Brighton on 26 April, 624 c240WA, whether the examination of the governor's journal at Blundeston prison revealed any details of an alert during 25 to 30 December 1980; and whether in this period there was any mention of RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge or Rendlesham Forest. [HL 734].
Lord Rooker: The governor’s journal revealed no such details and there was no mention of RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge or Rendlesham Forest.
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What is their response to the absence of the governor’s journals covering the period 25 to 30 December 1980 in respect of Hollesley and Highpoint prisons; and whether, in the absence of their records, they will consult the then governors about any alert or warning to evacuate during that period. [HL735]
[column 59]
Lord Rooker: The governor’s journal is a record of day-to-day events, and the absence of journals so long after the event is not a cause for concern. The governors of Hollesley Bay and Highpoint prisons in December 1980 are no longer in the service and I am not persuaded that the effort required to trace them is justified.”
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
Monday 15 Oct 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 77
“Northern Ireland: UFO Crash
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What search operation took place following reports of the crash of an unidentified object in Northern Ireland on 13 February 2001. [HL732]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: I refer my noble friend to a letter from the Army Headquarters Northern Ireland to UFO and Paranormal Research Ireland, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House of Lords.”
16 October 2001 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 83
“Snaefell Mountain: Suspected Light Aircraft Crash
Lord Hill Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What is their response to the allegation that on 14 January 2001 an unidentified object struck the communications mast at the summit of Snaefell Mountain on the Isle of Man. [HL 731].
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach): In the early hours of 14 January, and in daylight on 15 January 2001, a military search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley conducted a comprehensive search of the area around Snaefell Mountain following a report of a suspected light aircraft crash. However, nothing was found as a result of the search.”
16 October 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 83
“Northern Ireland: UFO Crash Report
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What search operation took place following reports of the crash of an unidentified object in Northern Ireland on 13 February 2001.[HL732]
Lord Bach: Following reports of smoke being seen on Benaughlin Mountain, near Kinawley on the afternoon of 13 February 2001, police and troops conducted a search of the area, assisted by a helicopter, but nothing was found. A further search was carried out the following morning but nothing was found to indicate either a downed aircraft or a fire and the incident was closed.”
[Letter in Library Dep 01/1473].
16 October 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 84
“Rendlesham Forest Incident
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United States Air Force investigated and photographed a site in Rendlesham Forest where it was alleged that an unidentified flying object had landed in December 1980; whether the photographs depicted an indentation where the object might have landed; and whether they have a copy of the report and photographs arising from the investigation; and[HL743]
Whether, following an allegation contained in a memorandum dated 13 January 1981 by Lieutenant Colonel Halt of the United States Air Forces that a glowing metallic triangular object had landed in Rendlesham Forest in December 1980, Lieutenant Colonel Halt was questioned about the incident; if not, why not; and whether military radar indicated that a structured craft was involved.[HL744]
Lord Bach: The only USAF material held by Ministry of Defence is that written by Lieutenant Colonel Halt on 13 January 1981 consequent upon his investigation of the incident in Rendlesham Forest. The MoD has no evidence of any other official investigation or documentation.
There is no indication, from the papers held on file that MoD raised any further questions with Lieutenant Colonel Halt following receipt of his memorandum in 1981 and I am unaware of the reason for this. MoD records from the same period document no evidence of unusual radar returns.”
24 October 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers columns 129-130
“Radar Data: Retention
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 25 January (WA 22) which stated that radar data are only retained for 30 days and paper records for three years, why RAF Watton was able to confirm in writing to a member of the public in 1989 that it had a record of an unidentified flying object report over RAF Bentwaters, timed at 3.25 am on 28 December 1980.[HL730]
Lord Bach: As a general rule recorded radar data is retained for 30 days before being reused and air traffic control watch logs are destroyed after three years. Our searches have not revealed examples of any archived letters between RAF Watton and members of the public on the subject in question dating from 1989. I
24 Oct 2001: Column WA130
am, therefore, unable to comment on the correspondence to which the noble and gallant Lord refers.
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 77
“Northern Ireland: UFO Crash
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What search operation took place following reports of the crash of an unidentified object in Northern Ireland on 13 February 2001. [HL732]
Lord Falconer of Thoroton: I refer my noble friend to a letter from the Army Headquarters Northern Ireland to UFO and Paranormal Research Ireland, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House of Lords.”
16 October 2001 (Tuesday)
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 83
“Snaefell Mountain: Suspected Light Aircraft Crash
Lord Hill Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
What is their response to the allegation that on 14 January 2001 an unidentified object struck the communications mast at the summit of Snaefell Mountain on the Isle of Man. [HL 731].
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach): In the early hours of 14 January, and in daylight on 15 January 2001, a military search and rescue helicopter from RAF Valley conducted a comprehensive search of the area around Snaefell Mountain following a report of a suspected light aircraft crash. However, nothing was found as a result of the search.”
16 October 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 83
“Northern Ireland: UFO Crash Report
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
What search operation took place following reports of the crash of an unidentified object in Northern Ireland on 13 February 2001.[HL732]
Lord Bach: Following reports of smoke being seen on Benaughlin Mountain, near Kinawley on the afternoon of 13 February 2001, police and troops conducted a search of the area, assisted by a helicopter, but nothing was found. A further search was carried out the following morning but nothing was found to indicate either a downed aircraft or a fire and the incident was closed.”
[Letter in Library Dep 01/1473].
16 October 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers column 84
“Rendlesham Forest Incident
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the United States Air Force investigated and photographed a site in Rendlesham Forest where it was alleged that an unidentified flying object had landed in December 1980; whether the photographs depicted an indentation where the object might have landed; and whether they have a copy of the report and photographs arising from the investigation; and[HL743]
Whether, following an allegation contained in a memorandum dated 13 January 1981 by Lieutenant Colonel Halt of the United States Air Forces that a glowing metallic triangular object had landed in Rendlesham Forest in December 1980, Lieutenant Colonel Halt was questioned about the incident; if not, why not; and whether military radar indicated that a structured craft was involved.[HL744]
Lord Bach: The only USAF material held by Ministry of Defence is that written by Lieutenant Colonel Halt on 13 January 1981 consequent upon his investigation of the incident in Rendlesham Forest. The MoD has no evidence of any other official investigation or documentation.
There is no indication, from the papers held on file that MoD raised any further questions with Lieutenant Colonel Halt following receipt of his memorandum in 1981 and I am unaware of the reason for this. MoD records from the same period document no evidence of unusual radar returns.”
24 October 2001
House of Lords Volume 627 Written Answers columns 129-130
“Radar Data: Retention
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 25 January (WA 22) which stated that radar data are only retained for 30 days and paper records for three years, why RAF Watton was able to confirm in writing to a member of the public in 1989 that it had a record of an unidentified flying object report over RAF Bentwaters, timed at 3.25 am on 28 December 1980.[HL730]
Lord Bach: As a general rule recorded radar data is retained for 30 days before being reused and air traffic control watch logs are destroyed after three years. Our searches have not revealed examples of any archived letters between RAF Watton and members of the public on the subject in question dating from 1989. I
24 Oct 2001: Column WA130
am, therefore, unable to comment on the correspondence to which the noble and gallant Lord refers.
[edit on 23-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]
Parliamentary copyright material from Hansard is made available in this document in a value added context pursuant to the grant to “Issac Koi” of
the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office on behalf of Parliament.
Good Lord Isaac! You've done it again!
can't wait to read this in its entirety.
as always, a star and flag friend.
can't wait to read this in its entirety.
as always, a star and flag friend.
reply to post by IsaacKoi
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they are aware of reports from the United States Air Force personnel that nuclear weapons stored in the Weapons Storage Area at RAF Woodbridge were struck by light beams fired from an unidentified craft seen over the base in the period 25-30 December 1980, and if so, what action was subsequently taken.
Lord Gilbert: There is no evidence to suggest that the MOD received any such reports.
-------------------------------
I might be wrong here!!!
But this is proof that our government covers up the existence of UFO's.
(link didn't work) Mod.uk-then type "rendlesham" in the search function.
You see they denied that mod had any reports, when they actually did!!!
The mod released the report not even 1 year ago for public viewing
(Edited due to none working link)
[edit on 23-1-2008 by SKUNK2]
[edit on 23-1-2008 by SKUNK2]
Lord Hill-Norton asked Her Majesty’s Government:
Whether they are aware of reports from the United States Air Force personnel that nuclear weapons stored in the Weapons Storage Area at RAF Woodbridge were struck by light beams fired from an unidentified craft seen over the base in the period 25-30 December 1980, and if so, what action was subsequently taken.
Lord Gilbert: There is no evidence to suggest that the MOD received any such reports.
-------------------------------
I might be wrong here!!!
But this is proof that our government covers up the existence of UFO's.
(link didn't work) Mod.uk-then type "rendlesham" in the search function.
You see they denied that mod had any reports, when they actually did!!!
The mod released the report not even 1 year ago for public viewing
(Edited due to none working link)
[edit on 23-1-2008 by SKUNK2]
[edit on 23-1-2008 by SKUNK2]
Just imagine how long it took him to research and write down all this stuff…….WOW
A true credit to ATS……………how do you bloody do it…….flag….star….
A true credit to ATS……………how do you bloody do it…….flag….star….
Originally posted by andre18
Just imagine how long it took him to research and write down all this stuff…….WOW
A true credit to ATS……………how do you bloody do it…….flag….star….
I concur!!
VERY well written, truely informative, and a STAGGERING amount of work,time and effort put in.
Isaac, some of you threads are far too informative to be allowed to slip down the list, only to be resurrected by the search function. I seriously think you should see about getting your epic research threads turned into a "sticky", to stay at the top, or maybe into some sort of "research" forum.
I think something like that would benefit alot of people here at ATS, particularly the newcomers, who might not realise the benefit of the search function, or would rather not trawl through pages and PAGES of Posts and Threads trying to find something relevant.
Keep up the good work my man, truely appreciated as always
AoN
PEACE
[edit on 23-1-2008 by Anomic of Nihilism]
Thanks a ton for sharing this research.
Due to people like you I still believe UFOlogy is not dead... kudos to you
Starred and flagged
I have not read all your post but will continue doing so
Due to people like you I still believe UFOlogy is not dead... kudos to you
Starred and flagged
I have not read all your post but will continue doing so
good god man !!!
it will take me a while to get through this.
this has got to be the most reaserched thread ive seen on ATS. great job
it will take me a while to get through this.
this has got to be the most reaserched thread ive seen on ATS. great job
I'm sure some of you will agree with me, but i believe, taking into account various other well-researched and informed threads and posts by the OP,
that he deserves the Subject Matter Expert stamp on his profile for his continued work and devotion to UFOlogy here on ATS.
I'm not 100% sure how the Admins hand out those tags, but IMO the OP is well deserving of it.
Great work, i've only read the first few posts so far in their entirety but i'll read the rest throughout the day.
I'm not 100% sure how the Admins hand out those tags, but IMO the OP is well deserving of it.
Great work, i've only read the first few posts so far in their entirety but i'll read the rest throughout the day.
For God's sake! Give this guy server space!
I'll have to take the day off to read this, but a clipped record will have to go in my files.
How can any intelligent person say such volumes of information are mistaken in any way?
If we in the US ever got a disclosure of all the inquiries and cited documents in our congressional record, we would likely need a server farm to hold it all.
The question I would ask, is that with this overwhelming mass of official attention, why is this at all dismissed or even marginalized? And, even more curious, why is this not acted upon by military and civil agencies with investigation, research and public record?
Many can better than guess. There is military advantage and profits to be made. Especially by the Military Corporations who's credo is;
"We protect... (our advantage and dark agenda)"
Thank you. IsaacKoi
The evidence is reaching critical mass. Even without the empty heads of state telling us any truths.
ZG
I'll have to take the day off to read this, but a clipped record will have to go in my files.
How can any intelligent person say such volumes of information are mistaken in any way?
If we in the US ever got a disclosure of all the inquiries and cited documents in our congressional record, we would likely need a server farm to hold it all.
The question I would ask, is that with this overwhelming mass of official attention, why is this at all dismissed or even marginalized? And, even more curious, why is this not acted upon by military and civil agencies with investigation, research and public record?
Many can better than guess. There is military advantage and profits to be made. Especially by the Military Corporations who's credo is;
"We protect... (our advantage and dark agenda)"
Thank you. IsaacKoi
The evidence is reaching critical mass. Even without the empty heads of state telling us any truths.
ZG
Originally posted by Anomic of Nihilism
I seriously think you should see about getting your epic research threads turned into a "sticky", to stay at the top, or maybe into some sort of "research" forum.
Hi Anomic,
Many thanks for your flattering comments (and those of other members that have posted in this thread or sent me a U2U).
I don't think that this thread deserves to be made a "sticky" thread as I think that status should be reserved for useful introductory threads - which this thread is not. Another of my recent threads, "Top 100 UFO Cases - Revealed!" is, I think, rather more useful as an introductory thread - but there is already a sticky thread started by Gazrok entitled "Compilation: Some of the best UFO Cases (or the Classics)" which covers some of the same ground.
By the way, you may have noticed that I already have one sticky thread in this forum - "Free UFO Researcher Starter Pack ". Due to the response to that thread, and due to discussion in another recent thread, I'm wondering whether it would be useful for me to post a "Free 911 Researcher Starter Pack" along similar lines to my "Free UFO Researcher Starter Pack ".
All the best,
Isaac
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According to Wiki, HAMAS is the same as "Palestinians"
US Political Madness • 15 • : Anyrven -
Candidate TRUMP Now Has Crazy Judge JUAN MERCHAN After Him - The Stormy Daniels Hush-Money Case.
Political Conspiracies • 1556 • : FlyersFan -
15.6 Percent of US Population Now Foreign Born - 51.6 Million
Social Issues and Civil Unrest • 25 • : Hakaiju -
Gaza Genocide Real or Propaganda
Middle East Issues • 267 • : Anyrven -
Deadbots - AI Deepfakes that Simulate Dead People Risks Haunting Relatives
Science & Technology • 9 • : andy06shake -
US Defense (DIA) Officer Maj. Harrison M. resigned in protest of killing Palestinian civilians
Politicians & People • 28 • : CarlLaFong -
Long Range Drone - Test Flight
General Chit Chat • 2 • : TrithFPV -
Israeli strikes on southern Gaza city of Rafah kill 22, mostly children, as US advances aid package
Middle East Issues • 231 • : FlyersFan