Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 14 May 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Friday, 14 May 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will undertaken further sampling and metallurgical analysis of the hull plates on the SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake further sampling and metallurgical analysis of the hull plates on the SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames. [172572] Mr. Jamieson: The form of the next survey, planned for 2005, will be discussed with specialist advisers, and decisions will be based on furthering knowledge of relevant aspects of the condition of the wreck. The use of sonar (multi-beam, sidescan), Remotely Operated Vehicle, physical sampling, and visual or ultra sonic diver survey will all be considered, and might include further sampling and metallurgical analysis. However, as stated in the most recent report, there has been little appreciable change to the thickness of the hull plating in the last 22 years, so there is no reason to suggest this will be necessary before the next full diving survey.

Secondary information