HMS VICTORY (1744) – The MoD Reply – the controversy over the wreck, at the centre of a row between the MOD, a salvage company and archaeologists reported in the media after it emerged that its treasures could be sold off.   In response to the article an MOD statement says that "Contrary to reports, no decision has been made about recovering any part of the ship. The remains of Victory (1744) were gifted to the Maritime Heritage Foundation by the British Government with conditions; the Secretary of State for Defence has to agree before the site can be disturbed or anything recovered. "Both the Secretary of State and the Foundation are guided by an Advisory Group, consisting of representatives of the National Museum of the Royal Navy and English Heritage, which provides specialist advice on maritime archaeology; the Group is supported by a panel of archaeological and legal experts.    "The Foundation has now produced a project plan which the Advisory Group is presently considering and will provide advice on to both the Foundation and the Government."