H.M.S Victory discovery - English Government M.P. Voices concern

Andrew Smith M.P. has been quoted raising concerns over the recent discovery of the H.M.S. Victory. The Oxford Mail reported on the 12th February as follows:

"Oxford East MP Andrew Smith has called for the Government to ensure the contents of a wrecked Navy ship are preserved for the British public. Mr Smith warned there was a “danger” that artefacts salvaged from HMS Victory, following its apparent discovery in the English Channel by a US-based salvage firm, could be snapped up by private companies. The MP said to avoid this they should be placed “in the hands of reputable museum authorities”.

Elsewhere, the Scotsman reported the following brief news item:

"The government hinted last night it would prefer to see the wreck of HMS Victory – predecessor to Nelson's famous flagship – left in the English Channel following its apparent discovery this month with nearly £700,000 of gold on board. English Heritage has been asked to advise on preserving the ship where it lies."

From the reports available to date it would appear there is no definite path being followed by the U.K. Government as they thread their way through this mixed blessing of a moral dilema. The hot potato has been tossed in the direction of English Heritage for the moment, but it remains to be seen what policies and protocols will be adopted by the U.K. Government in the investigation and safeguarding of this wreck site war grave and its sunken bullion cargo.