§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent discussions her Department has had with the Dutch authorities about the protection of the wreck of the Amsterdam. [4707]
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§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 20 November 1996]The Dutch Government are the owners of the wreck of the Amsterdam and, therefore, have prime responsibility for decisions about its future. However, the Amsterdam is a designated site under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, for which my Department has responsibility. My Department and the Dutch Government, therefore, have discussions as appropriate about the Amsterdam and its protection.