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-Lowell:TUC 'wrong

13th February 1982
Page 5
Page 5, 13th February 1982 — -Lowell:TUC 'wrong
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

CORRY DRIVERS' jobs will be more secure in an efficient industry ased on the use of heavier vehicles, Transport Secretary David owell told a Trades Union Congress delegation on Monday.

The delegation, led by TUC ansport committee chairman arty Smith (Transport and Genral Workers Union), met Mr °well to reinforce its antieavy lorry policy, and said that s views reflected those of ordiary members of the public, and nvironmentalists.

Mr Smith said that the TUC ccepted the White Paper propoair for more by-passes and for leinstensi on of Section 8 grants 3 waterways, but saw no need

for heavier vehicles to be authorised.

Mr Howell said after the onehour meeting: "I understand their concern that heavier weights will mean fewer jobs for lorry drivers because fewer lorries will be needed. Yet at the same time I am told by others that the environment will be damaged by my proposals. They cannot both be right."

He said that business for hauliers will grow as the economy revives, and he told the delegation, which included representatives of the National Union of Railwaymen and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, that the Government is "determined" that the railways should carry more freight than they do at present.

He added that the Govern ment is determined to civilise the lorry, and said he would make more proposals in this direction "very soon".

The TUC delegation came away convinced that Mr Howell's mind is far from open over his proposals, and that he is keen to act in the near future. He made clear to Mr Smith that further delay is the last thing which the industry and the community at large need on the proposals.

Mr Howell's sympathetic view towards rail freight does not appear to extend to accepting the Armitage proposals for increased Section 8 private sidings grants.


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