§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of railway track are in areas of the country where train drivers are un to communicate with signal boxes by telephone.
§ Mr. John WattsAt present, no more than 500 miles of the rail network—representing approximately 5 per cent. of the route mileage—are in areas not covered by the national radio network which enables these communications to take place. Within the next 12 months, as a result of a substantial investment programme, this will be reduced to 200 miles—representing approximately 2 per cent. of the route mileage—excluding tunnels and cuttings. Complete coverage by the national radio network is not reasonably practicable.