Passenger carriages employed on the Home railways are recognised as being of exceptionally stout construction and possessing admirable smooth-riding qualities. The majority of the carriages consist of a substantial steel underframe, with steel and timber, or reinforced timber, bodies, with special coupling and buffer systems. This construction is claimed to be superior to the all-steel car from the viewpoint of safety, but it is significant that on the continent of Europe the all-steel car is by degrees becoming standardised. According to a recent official questionnaire, out of 59 leading railway undertakings of the world, some 35 have decided upon the eventual employment of all-steel construction for passenger coaches. The International Railway Union, also, a short time ago, stipulated that for international journeys where speeds of over 75 m.p.h. were attained, all-steel stock should be employed. France, Belgium, Germany and Italy all make extensive use of all-steel construction, while a few months ago Austria adopted this form of construction as standard.