Abstract: A fail-safe solenoid operated two-stage hydraulic spool valve has a pilot spool with four raised lands and is constructed in two parts (12, 13) urged away from each other by a spring (14). The pressure ports (16, 17) lie outside the pilot service ports (4, 5), and the tank gallery (15) is located between them. In normal operation, the solenoids (20, 21) hold the two spool portions (12, 13) together against the force of the spring (14). Should the electric supply to the solenoids fail, the spool portions (12, 13) are separated by the spring (14) thereby venting the service ports (4, 5) to tank, and thereby allowing the centring springs (31, 32) of the main stage to return the main spool (25) to its central position in which the load is hydraulically locked against movement.