§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the most recent occasion on which her Department discussed the wreck of the Amsterdam with the Dutch Government; what assurances she was then given that the Dutch recognise their responsibility for the protection of the wreck and intend to take appropriate action to that end; and if she will make a statement. [6300]
§ Mr. SproatAn official from the Department of National Heritage met an official from the Dutch embassy on 16 October to discuss the Amsterdam. The matter has also been discussed more recently on the telephone. The Amsterdam is the property of the Dutch Government and, therefore, responsibility for decisions about the future of the site rests primarily with them. The Dutch Government are currently considering the most appropriate course of action for the site.