Heated towel rail element ~ thermostatically controlled or not?

Depends a bit on if its normally covered with towels or not... If its well covered, then the thermostat may save some energy since the rail will get to a fairly high temperature quickly. Uncovered, its unlikely to be have enough power to heat the whole room (unless its very small) - and so would tend to run continuously anyway even with the stat.

Thanks John, I suppose like all of its ilk it is only intermittently covered with towels or drying washing during the colder months. Energy consumption is not the major concern. My concern is that, without thermostatic control, the element would continue to heat ad infinitum. As it is timed for only a few hours operation morning and evening this is less of a concern. Especially as, being dual fuel, only one valve is closed thus allowing for expansion etc. It was never meant as a room heater although it is a useful adjunct to that already existing. The present thermo heating element often clocks off when room is up to temp, according to the led indicators. Nick.