§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to protect for the nation wrecks of archaeological interest discovered in British territorial waters.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe Department is currently reviewing with the interests16W concerned the law on wrecks contained in Part IX of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. The review includes the question of giving protection to wrecks of historic or archaeological interest. Because of the complexity of the subject this work will take some time, but I am considering in the light of recent events whether it is desirable or practicable to propose early legislation to give some protection to specific wreck sites as a temporary measure.