Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 20 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 February 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 February 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps will be taken to protect any human remains found on the wreck of HMS Sussex; if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps will be taken to protect any human remains found on the wreck of HMS Sussex; if he will make a statement. [210910] Mr. Caplin: The Licence Agreement provides that if human remains are discovered they must be treated at all times with the utmost respect and sensitivity. The company is required to ensure that the activities at the site avoid the unnecessary disturbance of human remains and that, where possible, human remains are left in situ. If human remains are accidentally retrieved, the company is required to notify the Government's on-board representatives immediately. The further treatment of those remains will then be as directed by the Government.

Secondary information