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Warships: Wrecks

Asked by Bob BlackmanConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 19948

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will introduce measures to ensure that information relating to artefacts recovered from United Kingdom-owned First and Second World War wrecks and maritime war graves, including the SS Tilawa, is not routinely withheld under exemptions contained within the Freedom of Information Act 2000 where disclosure would support public accountability, heritage protection, and the commemoration of wartime loss.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Information regarding items recovered from wrecks, which is provided to the Receiver of Wreck as required under section 236 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 is routinely available under the Freedom of Information Act and is not subject to any exemptions.

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