12. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the leave train known as Medloc cam-pares unfavourably with U.S. leave trains in Germany as regards coaching stock and cleanliness of lavatory accommodation; and whether he will amend the timetable so as to increase the running speed and reduce the time spent at the numerous halts, other than meal halts.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe coaching stock used, though not of the highest standard, is the best that can be obtained in present conditions; the lavatories are cleaned before every journey. Every effort is made, and will continue to be made, to reduce halts, other than meal halts to the minimum, but the timing of this international train is a complicated matter. Stops are necessary for taking water, engine changing, and frontier control examination, and these cannot be avoided.
Mr. VaneIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this train is slower than the average German civilian express train? Cannot he improve the conditions and the timetable? It takes 36 hours to do the journey, and it is very uncomfortable for six to eight men with their kit on wooden benches in a compartment.
§ Mr. ShinwellThat may be because the rolling stock in unsatisfactory. The only means of improving that rolling stock is by sending some out from this country, and we cannot afford to do that.