§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if diving operations have been(a) carried out and (b) authorised by the Ministry on the wreck of the SS Somali since 1971; and if he will give details of the purpose and results of any such operation. [16860]
§ Dr. MoonieThe SS Somali was a British merchant ship and as such is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence. Responsibility for merchant vessels lies with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.