§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action his Department is taking to preserve the wreck of the East Indiaman Amsterdam buried in shingle off Hastings sea front; and if he will make a statement. [31499]
§ Mr. DorrellThe Amsterdam is afforded statutory protection from unauthorised interference as a designated wreck under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. I am aware of a report indicating that the timbers which are sometimes exposed are deteriorating through natural processes, but I have been advised that the wreck is under no immediate threat. My officials are currently in touch with the Dutch Government, who are the owners, about the future of the Amsterdam.