Barometer | 28 November 2013

Third-class thinking

A report by the Institute of Economic Affairs recommended standing-room-only third-class carriages as an alternative to longer trains and platforms. What was third-class rail travel originally like?

— Until the 1844 Railway Act third-class travel generally meant an open carriage with holes drilled in the floor to let the rainwater out. The Act demanded that all carriages conveying humans be covered. Seats were usually provided.

— In 1872 the Midland Railway became to first company to abolish second class, by removing leather seat backs from second-class carriages and adding leather upholstery to the seats of third-class carriages.

Of human bondage

Three women were found apparently living in slavery in south London. According to the Global Index on Slavery, there are 29.8 million slaves around the world — compared with 25 million in 1850. Which countries have most slavery?

Overrated

The government announced that it is to introduce a cap on payday loans. But are payday lenders the worst offenders when it comes to high interest rates?

Source: OFT

Washed up

A study by accountants Wilkins Kennedy revealed much bankruptcy in seaside towns. Personal bankruptcy per 10,000 inhabitants: