Written question asked by Lord Onslow of Woking (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 November 1996. It was answered by Iain Sproat (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of National Heritage.

Dept of National Heritage

Question: 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.

Answer: Sir Cranley Onslow: To 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. Sproat: An 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.

Secondary information