§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Transport what research is being conducted into snow clearance from the railways; and where it is being conducted.
§ Mr. John MorrisTrials have been proceeding on British Railways, mainly in the Western Region, with new kinds of lubricating greases and de-icing fluids for use on points. Following tests in the Research Laboratories at Derby, experi-100W mental work is in progress in Scottish Region on methods of switching on point heaters automatically as weather conditions may require. These measures will supplement existing methods of dealing with snow, such as the provision of heavy duty snow ploughs at strategic places, the fitting of smaller ploughs to diesel locomotives and the increasing use of gas and electric point heaters, of which 5,000 have now been installed.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Transport on how many days in each of the last five years railway lines in Scotland have been closed to traffic because of snow.
§ Mr. John MorrisStatistical information relating to nationalised industries, when available, is usually provided only for the country as a whole. I am writing to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Transport how much money has been expended in each of the last five years on snow clearance on railways.
§ Mr. John MorrisThis information is not available.