§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations are permitted in authorised war graves at sea.
§ Mr. BlakerThe wrecks of ships which contain the bodies of members of the ship's company and embarked personnel are regarded by the Ministry of Defence as war graves. It is not normal practice to allow the wreck to be disturbed. In exceptional circumstances access is allowed, for example, where the wreck is a hazard to navigation, or in order to forestall unauthorised access as in the case of HMS "Edinburgh", or for purposes connected with inquiries into their loss. Such access would be carried out in a controlled way with proper regard for the sanctity of the war grave.