Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if his Department will make it his policy to seek international protection for maritime military graves by ratifying the UNESCO Convention and the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage.

The Government of the United Kingdom would strongly condemn any desecration of any site of maritime military graves. By invoking the principle of Sovereign Immunity, and by designating specific vessels under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 and the Protection of Maritime Remains Act 1986, we endeavour to protect these important sites where we are able.

The Ministry of Defence became aware of the possible illegal salvage of items from HMS Indefatigable in 2010 and HMS Queen Mary in 2011. After due consideration, following liaison with UK and international prosecution authorities, it was concluded by the Ministry of Defence Police that no further action could be taken.

We are not aware of any illegal salvage activity currently taking place on other Jutland wreck sites, but should this come to our attention the matter would be reported to the Ministry of Defence Police. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is leading on the United Kingdom's position on the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage. It is currently considering the results of the 2014 Impact Review, in consultation with the other relevant Government Departments. The United Kingdom has already adopted the Rules for activities directed at underwater cultural heritage, found in the annex of the Convention, as best practice.