§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what inter-departmental discussions have taken place on the use of the Clapham deep shelters. [25988]
§ Mr. KilfoyleResponsibility for this matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. John Locke, to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from John C. Locke to Mr. Mike Hancock, dated 30 January 1998:
I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service to reply to the further question you have asked about the Clapham Deep Tube Shelters.All of the Deep Tube Shelters are surplus to the needs of Government Departments. Prior to this decision extensive consultations were carried out with any Department having a requirement for storage facilities in Central London for which these shelters might have been suitable. In addition, there was close liaison with the Home Office who retained first call on the Shelters in the event of a national emergency. When it became clear that there was no interest from Government Departments the Shelters were let to private sector archive storage companies in accordance with the schedule of existing leases provided with my recent letter. The Clapham North Shelter would have been let had it remained in PACE ownership.Following a disposal tender exercise conducted by our consultants I am now able to advise you that a sale of all seven shelters to London Underground Ltd. has now been completed. This is considered to be a most satisfactory outcome and is expected to ensure that they will be maintained and used properly in the future.