HC Deb 03 December 1998 vol 321 cc232-3W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the procedures for enforcement of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, indicating the steps salvers should take to initiate enforcement action. [60864]

Mr. Alan Howarth

Responsibility for policing or prosecuting offences under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 lies with the relevant police force and the Crown Prosecution Service. My Department is happy to assist the police in any matters relating to the 1973 Act, whenever necessary. Steps are being taken to remind relevant police forces of their responsibilities under the 1973 Act, and of the designated wreck sites within their area of responsibility.

Any individual who suspects that illegal diving may be taking place on a designated wreck site should, in the first instance, contact their local police constabulary whose responsibility it is to take the necessary steps to investigate the allegations. My Department would also wish to be kept informed of such incidents and will provide advice as necessary.

Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the actions of and communications between his Department and the Devon and Cornwall police in the week commencing 5 October 1998, regarding the designated site at Salcombe and the complaint made to them under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. [60865]

Mr. Alan Howarth

My officials were in telephone contact with the Devon and Cornwall Police three times on Wednesday 7 October to discuss the situation on the Salcombe Cannon designated wreck site. As a result of the telephone conversation, a letter was faxed to the Police at 3.15pm on Wednesday 7 October, setting out the legal provisions of the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. A copy of the licence for the site, detailing the individuals authorised to dive on it, was also faxed to the Police, at their request, on the afternoon of Wednesday 7 October. A further telephone call was made to the Police on Friday 9 October to obtain an update on the situation.