Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to recent reports of further degradation of the structure of the SS Richard Montgomery, what precautions are planned to make safe the explosives in the ship.

There is no indication that the further degradation of the structure of the SS Richard Montgomery, which is to be expected given the vessel’s age and location, has increased the risk associated with the wreck.

Following expert advice, work continues to reduce the height of the wreck’s three masts.

We will continue to monitor the site and undertake detailed surveys to assess the wreck’s condition which will inform future management strategies.