Denationalization Policy Dispute
Page 49
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BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
DiSAGREEMENT over the Association's policy on denationalization, among other matters, has caused Mr. H. L. Walker to resign from the national committees and the Northern Area committee of the Road Haulage Association. The executive committee accepted his resignation at their meeting last week.
The ,executive then expressed unani
mous confidence in the chairman and the chairman's committee. Their policy continues to be that denationalization should be completed within the terms of the 1953 Act, although I understand the majority of members would not object if British Road Services were allowed to retain a greater number of vehicles than that envisaged in the Act.
Indeed, the larger operators are willing to work closely with B.R.S. Some would even enter into agreements on such matters as rates. Certain local managers of B.R.S. would be willing to reciprocate, but at the moment their hands are tied. I understand that in Scotland, a degree of co-operation between , the two sides has already. developed. It is unlikely, however, that members of the R.H.A. will press the national council to adopt a conciliatory attitude towards B.R.S. The difficulty of obtaining permits still rankles and most of the members are not yet willing to accept the State transport undertaking as a friendly rival.
The Association are to urge the Road Haulage Disposal Board to continue to offer small units (as the Board have undertaken to do up to a proposed limit of 15,000 vehicles), because the needs of many potential buyers have not yet been met.