HC Deb 22 June 1973 vol 858 cc211-2W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether HMS "Royal Oak" in Scapa is scheduled as a war grave; and what permissions he has given to diving teams to search "Royal Oak" in the last 12 months.

Mr. Buck

The wreck of HMS "Royal Oak" contains the remains of those who went down with the ship and it does therefore constitute their grave. No diving group has been given permission to search the "Royal Oak" in the last twelve months and Her Majesty's ships in the area look out for any unauthorised diving there.