§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been carried out by British Rail into the reliability and efficiency of electronic signalling systems especially at major termini or junctions, and into the effect of bad weather conditions on such systems.
§ Mr. David HowellNo electronic signalling systems are yet in operation on the railways, but British Rail is at present developing automatic route setting techniques and electronic information processing and transmission techniques for use in safety interlocking systems. Neither these systems nor the electrical signalling systems at present in use are themselves prone to icing problems, though they may be affected by points failure in bad weather. Such failures present no hazard to passengers.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been carried out by British Rail into the problem of heavy icing of overhead power lines or electrical systems.
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§ Mr. David HowellNone. The icing of overhead power lines or electrical systems has not presented problems on the railways
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been carried out by British Rail into the problem of icing of points or other forms of weather damage affecting the efficient working of complex rail junctions, including investigation of chemical compounds to resolve such problems.
§ Mr. David HowellBritish Rail is at present investigating improved methods of electric heating for use under points. It has also evaluated a number of chemicals for use to prevent icing, and to help lubrication of points. Some of these chemicals are in operational use, but none can be wholly effective in very severe conditions.