Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the dangers posed by the explosives on board the wreck of SS Richard Montgomery; whether shortening the masts of the vessel will ensure the level of safety required on a busy waterway; and what assessment they have made as to whether complete removal of the explosives is (1) necessary, and (2) feasible.

Managing the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery is a priority for the Department. The wreck is under 24-hour surveillance, and we actively monitor its condition through annual surveys. The results are assessed by an expert group and, following their recommendation, we are progressing a project to investigate removal of the vessel’s masts. We will continue to assess the condition of the wreck and consider expert advice in future to ensure any potential risks are minimised.