HC Deb 14 June 1971 vol 819 cc12-3
13. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the last inspection was made of the wreck of the munitions ship "Richard Montgomery" in the Thames estuary; what estimate was made of the condition and safety of its cargo; and whether further thought has been given to methods of neutralising the effects of any explosion.

Mr. Noble

Following the last diving survey in 1965 it was decided that the best and safest course was to leave the wreck and its cargo undisturbed. A recent close survey over the wreck and a study into the feasibility of a protective barrier are being evaluated. We shall tell interested parties our conclusions later this year. There does not appear at present to be a feasible method of neutralising the effects of any possible explosion in the wreck.

Mr. Braine

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, in regard to this major hazard to shipping in the Thames Estuary, and the communities on both sides, I was told by the previous Government, in 1969, that the cargo could not be moved because of the possible danger to life of the salvage teams, but that the feasibility of putting a protective barrier round the wreck would be considered? That was two years ago. It is not time that some definite progress was made to deal with what is clearly a serious matter?

Mr. Noble

The survey is being carried on. It is not simply a question of danger to the salvage teams. If this weight of explosives were to go up, the damage would be much greater than that. We are hoping to get the results of the survey later this year, and we shall communicate them to the people concerned.

Mr. Moate

Will my right hon. Friend recognise the danger to the town of Sheer-ness and the thousands of people living there if there were to be an explosion? Is he aware of the considerable alarm created recently by reports of ships sailing through the Channel in areas marked to show recent wrecks? Will he recognise that there is considerable urgency in the need to reassure the public that there is no danger of a collision occurring with this wreck in the Medway?

Mr. Noble

I recognise the possible danger to people living near a wreck of this sort. If my hon. Friend will let me have details of vessels sailing near the wreck, I should look into the matter, because this will help in considering which steps we can take in the future.