---

Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement concerning his agreement with Odyssey Marine Exploration over the recovery of the wreck HMS Sussex and treasure contained in it; [210907] (2) what steps will be taken properly to record archaeologically the wreck of HMS Sussex and finds from the wreck; and if he will make a statement; [210909] (3) what steps he will take to preserve the archaeological integrity of the site of HMS Sussex; and if he will make a statement; [210913] (4) what the Government's share of the proceeds of sale of any finds from the wreck of HMS Sussex will be; and if he will make a statement; [210911] (5) if he will publish the project plan for the proposed operation by Odyssey Marine Exploration on the site of HMS Sussex before work starts; and if he will make a statement. [210914] Mr. Caplin: On 27 September 2002, Ministry of Defence's Disposal Services Agency (DSA), on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, signed a Licence Agreement with the United States firm Odyssey Marine Exploration for the archaeological excavation and recoveries from the wreck of what is believed to be the wreck of the Sussex, a British warship lost in 1694. A copy of the Partnering Agreement Memorandum, setting out the main provisions of the Licence Agreement, and a copy of a Synopsis of the Archaeological Requirements contained within the Licence Agreement were placed in the Library of the House on 25 November 2002. It is intended that the Project Plan will be published before any intrusive work begins on the site. Details of the Project and Frequently Asked Questions have been published on the DSA's website www.edisposals.com.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

430 c898W; 210907;210909;210913;210911;210914

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Contracts Archaeology Wrecks Salvage Treasure Warships Disposal Services Agency Odyssey Marine Exploration HMS Sussex

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk