Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date his Department learned of the disappearance of HMS (a) Exeter, (b) Encounter and (c) Electra.

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.

Where we have evidence of desecration of the wrecks of Royal Navy vessels, we will take appropriate action, including working with regional Governments and partners to prevent inappropriate activity at such sites. It should be appreciated however that, given the vast locations of Royal Navy wrecks around the world, that there are limitations on what protection we can provide.

The Department became aware of the possible illegal salvage of items from HMS Exeter, Encounter and Electra on 8 November 2016.

As is appropriate, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have been in contact with the Indonesian Government, expressing our serious concerns and requesting that the reports are fully investigated.