Asked by: Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Astor of Hever on 10 March (HL5350), why the timescale for the transfer of the 18 unidentified flying object files from the Ministry of Defence to the National Archives has been delayed from the end of 2014, as previously announced, to late 2015 or early 2016.
Answered by Lord Astor of Hever
The schedule for the transfer of files from the Ministry of Defence to The National Archives consists of around 10,000 files per annum. The schedule is continually updated to take into account changes in priority and progress on different record sets. Additional processing requirements on the unidentified flying object files and focus on other Departmental records from the period 1982 - 1986 led to a change in the planned transfer date to late 2015 or early 2016. The Ministry of Defence will, however, continue to discuss with The National Archives if the 18 unidentified flying object files can be transferred earlier
Asked by: Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the Provost and Security Services conducted an investigation into sightings of unidentified flying objects in West Wales during 1977.
Answered by Lord Astor of Hever
Any files relating to the West Wales sighting in 1977 will be held by the National Archives. Consequently, the Ministry of Defence holds no information on this incident.
Asked by: Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether the 18 Ministry of Defence unexplained flying object files that have yet to be released to the public have been passed from the Ministry of Defence to the National Archives; what is their current estimate of when the National Archives will make the files public; and whether the files will be released in a single batch or in multiple batches.
Answered by Lord Astor of Hever
None of the 18 Ministry of Defence (MOD) unexplained flying object files have been passed from the MOD to The National Archives for release. The MOD is working with The National Archives to facilitate the transfer, which we estimate will be in the next 9-12 months. The release mechanism will then be agreed between the MOD and The National Archives.
Asked by: Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will consider establishing a decoration or medal for distinguished service by military or intelligence personnel who took part in active service in the Cold War between 1951 and 1990.
Answered by Lord Astor of Hever
It is clear that the professionalism and resolve of British and NATO forces during the Cold War years was an important factor that contributed to the collapse of the Warsaw Pact military alliance. However, it is widely recognised that this was achieved without recourse to the type of military activity for which campaign medals are generally instituted and there are no plans to introduce such an award. However, individual meritorious service or acts of bravery could be recognised through the usual UK State Honours system.
Many people leave the British Armed Forces without having been eligible for a campaign service medal. This position does not lessen our appreciation for the courage shown and sacrifices made by all our brave personnel during their Service.