§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency report on the condition of SS Richard614W Montgomery, what the (a) timing and (b) frequency will be of further surveys of the main crack at the No. 2 Hatch. [172571]
§ Mr. JamiesonSurveys are undertaken during optimal tidal and weather conditions. For visual inspections this is on Neap Tides during the summer months.
The survey of the SS Richard Montgomery is an evolving process which takes advantage of new technology and understanding. Diver surveys have been undertaken on approximately a decennial basis, with intervening sonar surveys to increase knowledge of the status of the wreck and surrounding area. It is not anticipated that another full visual diver survey of No. 2 Hatch area will be undertaken until 2013. However, if intervening surveys suggest a requirement to gather such information earlier, a visual survey would then be commissioned.
§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake further sampling and metallurgical analysis of the hull plates on the SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames. [172572]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe form of the next survey, planned for 2005, will be discussed with specialist advisers, and decisions will be based on furthering knowledge of relevant aspects of the condition of the wreck. The use of sonar (multi-beam, sidescan), Remotely Operated Vehicle, physical sampling, and visual or ultra sonic diver survey will all be considered, and might include further sampling and metallurgical analysis. However, as stated in the most recent report, there has been little appreciable change to the thickness of the hull plating in the last 22 years, so there is no reason to suggest this will be necessary before the next full diving survey.