Royal train's 'days are numbered'

The public accounts committee said in its report that the train was not cost-effective and that it was under-used.

Committee chairman Edward Leigh said the days of the train were numbered because it was "in taxpayers' interest to have a cheaper alternative".

During the Queen's Golden Jubilee tour the train covered 3,500 miles across England, Scotland and Wales, but normally it is used a lot less.

'Old fashioned'

Figures in the report show that last year the train made 17 journeys, which cost an average of £35,000.

The committee's members said air travel for the royal family was only half the price.

The royal train is described in the MP's report as "good old-fashioned formica and aluminium rolling stock from the 60s".

Mr Leigh told Radio 4's Today programme: "The household themselves are conducting a review.

"I'm sure the days of the royal train sadly are numbered. It is simply not cost-effective."

Mr Leigh suggested that there were much cheaper commercial alternatives, which would be "more comfortable for Queen and Royal Family".

'Not luxurious'

Although the Royal Family has had the use of a private train since the days of Queen Victoria, Buckingham Palace agreed some months ago that the train's future would have to be closely examined.

Officials accept it is expensive, but argue the train is very convenient as it allows members of the Royal Family to travel overnight and arrive on time for an engagement the next day.

The royals also use the train as a mobile office and aides argue that its fittings are far from luxurious.

Mindful perhaps that the Queen has already lost the royal yacht, Britannia, one senior aide said recently that they would not give up her train without a fight.

Furnishings

In May the train was opened to the public, in an attempt to dispel its lavish image.

At the time director of royal travel Tim Hewlett said: "There is a perception the train is a bit like the Orient Express.

"But there are not many bathroom furnishings you could not get in Homebase or B&Q."

The age of the carriages on the royal train vary, but the Queen's and Duke of Edinburgh's saloons were built in 1972 and converted for royal use for the 1977 Silver Jubilee.

They have bedrooms, bathrooms and sitting rooms and are fully fitted out with modern office and communication equipment.

The Prince of Wales' lounge car contains easy chairs, a writing desk, a 1960s-style Roberts portable radio and pictures from his private collection.

Since 1997, the annual cost of the Railtrack-owned train has been reduced from £1.9m a year to £600,000 a year.