Two-particle correlations of Lambda Lambda and <(Lambda)over bar><(Lambda)o
ver bar> pairs have been studied in multihadronic Z decays recorded with th
e ALEPH detector at LEP in the years from 1992 to 1995. The correlations we
re measured as a function of the four-momentum difference Q of the pair. A
depletion of events is observed in the region Q < 2 GeV which could arise f
rom the effects of Fermi-Dirac statistics. In addition the spin content of
the Lambda pair system has been determined. For Q > 2 GeV the fraction of p
airs with spin one is consistent with the value of 0.75 expected for a stat
istical spin mixture, whilst for Q < 2 GeV this fraction is found to be low
er. For Lambda<(Lambda)over bar> pairs, where no Fermi-Dirac correlations a
re expected, the spin one fraction is measured to be consistent with 0.75 o
ver the entire analysed Q range. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights
reserved.