HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 c185W
121. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rent is being paid for the Chislehurst Caves; for what purpose they are being used; and why he will not release them for growing mushrooms, rhubarb and seakale.

Mr. Ede

These caves, in respect of which a rental of £460 a year is being paid, have been retained pending determination of the policy to be adopted as regards the preservation as potential air raid shelters of various cave and tunnel shelters provided during the war. The question of negotiating an appropriate arrangement with the owners of the caves which would not prevent their use for peaceful purposes is receiving consideration.