§ 41. Sir R. Thompsonasked the Minister of Transport what information he has sought, in relation to safety on railways, regarding the progress being made with the trials of fully automatic surburban trains; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayOur Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways has studied the various aspects, including the safety aspect, of the automatic driving of trains. He has also examined and tested prototype automatic driving equipment which the London Transport Board has developed and installed on trial on the track between Stamford Brook and Ravenscourt Park on the District Line and on one passenger carrying train for operation on that section of the line. He is satisfied that the trial does not endanger the public, and my right hon. Friend has approved it on the basis that the motorman remains in the driving compartment when the equipment is in use. The progress of the trial, which started on 8th April last, will be watched closely.