HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1558-9
26. Mr. Boston

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the precautionary measures taken by his Department in investigating and frustrating a plan by students from a northern university or universities to interfere with the wreck of the s.s. "Richard Montgomery", off Sheerness; if he will call for reports from the relevant police authorities on the cost to public funds of the steps they took in the same matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Elystan Morgan

The Home Office was not involved. The Chief Contable of Kent has informed me that the cost to public funds of the measures taken by his force will be about £125 it the overtime performed is all compensated by overtime pay rather than time off.

Mr. Boston

Would my hon. Friend accept that this was a thoroughly irresponsible exploit which, including yesterday's Answers, has cost a total of over £750 as well as causing considerable inconvenience to the police and other bodies? Would he further accept that the police, the Board of Trade, the Ministry of Defence and other bodies acted with commendable speed in dealing with this, and would he confirm that, so long as the extensive safety measures are observed and the wreck is not interfered with, there is no cause for anxiety?

Mr. Morgan

I agree with those remarks. Since there may be anxiety on this question, I should explain that, from the time that the activities of this group of students became known, the wreck was under constant observation by radar, a patrol boat of the Medway Conservancy Board and a police launch. On 3rd January a team of naval divers from H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, examined the wreck and reported that it had not been interferred with in any way.

Mr. Braine

Is the hon Gentleman aware that, with over 1,400 tons of T.N.T. in its holds, this wreck constitutes a serious hazard not merely to Sheerness but to the community on the Essex side of the Thames? Is he further aware that over a year ago local authorities were told that the Government were examining the possibility of a scheme for putting down a protective barrier by means of block ships? Can we have an undertaking from the hon. Gentleman that he will co-ordinate the various Government Departments concerned to get some decision on this?

Mr. Morgan

I will give that undertaking.

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