READER Steve Johnson asked (Mailbox, February 8) about a UFO-shaped submarine that was moored in Birkenhead Docks in the 1970s.

I have an untitled newspaper cutting, unfortunately also undated, which solves the 'mystery'.

Accompanied by a photo of the construction, the article - under the headline 'How would you like to live in this?' - reads:

"A home that could help solve the world's housing shortage was literally launched yesterday.

"The 'Aquatic House' - which looks like a cross between a luxury boat and a flying saucer - was gently lowered into a murky Wallasey, Merseyside, dock.

"There, its inventor Tony Gilbert hopes it will attract buyers from all over the world.

"Tony, 58, believes his creation could lead to whole villages on water and enable people to live in areas prone to earthquakes.

"He began designing his first model in 1974.

"Now, he says, the tiny company he formed - which employs just four people - could begin full-scale production of their floating homes.

"The 25ft diameter glass-reinforced plastic structure accommodates six people and presently costs between £15,000 and £60,000."

Dorothy Stevens,

West Kirby

(address supplied)