§ Mr. Henry Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that a wreck at Portnaspairia, County Antrim, ownership of which is vested in his Department, is being damaged and looted by foreign frogmen; and what steps he is taking to deal with this situation.
§ Mr. John MorrisI understand that salvage operations are presently being conducted on a wreck in the area which is alleged to be that of the "Gallia Girona" which sank off Portnaspairia in 1588. However, ownership of this wreck is not vested in the Ministry of Defence, and the prevention of looting of such wrecks is not a Ministry of Defence responsibility. The legislation which covers this aspect is Part IX of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, which is the responsibility of the Board of Trade.