HC Deb 18 December 1961 vol 651 cc122-3W
Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of Transport how many wrecks there are in the estuary of the River Forth; to what extent any of them constitute a danger to navigation; what authorisation he has made in respect of their salvage; and if he is satisfied that existing arrangements for salvage are adequate to meet all contingencies.

Mr. Marples

The responsibility for dealing with wrecks in that part of the estuary which is not under the control of a harbour or conservancy authority rests with the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, who have power to remove a wreck if in their opinion it is a danger to navigation. There are 20 wrecks in the estuary, but they have considered only one (at Kirkcaldy Bay) to be a danger to navigation; this they have marked with a buoy. The Commissioners have not requested my sanction to expenditure for the removal of these wrecks. I am satisfied that the existing machinery is adequate.

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