Written question asked by Andrew Dismore (Labour) on Thursday, 20 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2005. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will ensure that adequate time is provided for archaeological examination and records of any finds from HMS Sussex before they are sold or otherwise disposed of; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that adequate time is provided for archaeological examination and records of any finds from HMS Sussex before they are sold or otherwise disposed of; and if he will make a statement. [210915] Mr. Caplin: All items recovered from the site, including those coins that may later be sold, will be fully recorded to appropriate professional standards. Post- fieldwork assessment and analysis will result in the creation of a post-excavation assessment report. The archaeological team may then elect to undertake specific analysis or invite or permit other scholars to do so. It is too early to speculate on the timing of disposals. Such decisions will eventually be informed by what is recovered. Under the Licence Agreement, the Government, as owner of the wreck and artefacts, retains complete discretion to retain any artefact. A decision on the sale or retention of assets can only be taken with the benefit of far more information on the wreck, its state and contents.

Secondary information