asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will ratify the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007; and whether ratification will be without reservation. [HL6032]

Her Majesty's Government support ratification and early entry into force of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007, and the implementing provisions to allow the UK to ratify the convention were included in the draft marine navigation Bill, which recently underwent parliamentary scrutiny.

Subject to parliamentary time being available the Government intend to introduce legislation to implement the convention which will allow it to be ratified as soon as possible.

Should the UK ratify the convention, the Government intend to make use of the option to extend its scope to include our territory and territorial sea and to inform the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) accordingly.

The convention will only enter into force 12 months after the 10th state has deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the secretary-general of the IMO. To date only one state has deposited an instrument of ratification of this convention.