§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence of he will take steps to safeguard wrecks of ocean-going sailing ships in the Falklands.
§ Mr. WhitneyI have been asked to reply.
The protection from unauthorised interference of wrecks and the sites on which they lie in Falklands territorial waters is covered by Falkland Islands legislation. The Civil Commissioner is satisfied that the wrecks are not being damaged.
401W
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will investigate thefts of copper fittings from wrecks in the waters of the Falkland Islands
§ Mr. WhitneyI have been asked to reply.
The Falkland Islands Government have no knowledge of any theft of copper from wrecks there. One licence has been granted by them for the recovery of copper from a vessel which sank in 1867. The licensee has recovered 2.5 tonnes of copper, and under the terms of the licence 10 per cent. of the net proceeds is paid to the Falkland Islands Government.