§ Sir Bernard Braineasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the outcome of the 1983 diving survey on the wreck of the munition ship SS Richard Montgomery.
§ Mr. David MitchellI have considered the report of the diving survey carried out by the Royal Navy in July 1983. The report confirms that the wreck is stable and the condition of the hull shows no unexpected deterioration since the previous survey in 1981. It continues to contain the ammunition, all of which is still embedded in heavy silt. The report recommends a further limited diving survey in 1985 to assess any further deterioration. The existing measures to prevent collision and interference with the wreck and its cargo will remain in force.