To ask Her Majesty's Government what information they hold on shipwrecks around the British overseas territories; and what measures have been taken to secure their historic value for those territories. [HL2583]

The upkeep of historic sites, including shipwrecks in the overseas territories, is the responsibility of territory Governments.

The Government do not hold detailed information on shipwrecks around the British Overseas Territories. The Ministry of Defence and Department for Transport hold information on ships that have been lost, but this is classed under ship name rather than place of sinking. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which leads on this issue in the UK, does not hold information for the overseas territories.

No measures have been taken by the Government to secure the historic value of shipwrecks for those territories.