Representation of the Industry
Page 27
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IT is of the utmost importance that the commercialvehicle industry should be strongly represented in every sphere where it is essential that its interests should be promoted. There is no more vital need in this connection than in the various branches of trade and industry, the majority of which is represented by local chambers of commerce or chambers of trade.
In many cases these representative bodies have their own transport committees, and, at present, far too great a number is largely composed either of representatives of the railways or of persons in sympathy with them. The members of the chambers are often greatly influenced by the advice given by these committees, and from the point of view of road operators it is most undesirable that there should be this pro-rail attitude. The recent memorandum put fell-ward by the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, together with the answers received in connection with this, is one example of the propaganda which is being conducted. It is, therefore, urgently necessary that the roadtransport interests in all important centres should make certain that they are suitably represented on the transport committees of the chambers for their respective areas—and this by men fully qualified to put forward clearly and cogently the case for the road. This has been achieved already in certain big centres, such as Birmingham, where the chairman of the transport committee is a well-known road carrier and a leading member of an important haulage association, It is surprising how, few business men who have had no direct dealings with road transport realize its remarkable advantages and ramifications, but, usually, they are quick to appreciate these when the facts are laid before them—and, here, is an opportunity of growing importance which must not be missed.
Trade and industry possess vast power, often sufficient to influence the fortunes of a Government, and this power must not be employed against road transport, but for its protection.