New Peace Movement in Transport
Page 40
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Conservative and Labour Support for Joint Haulage Companies
BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
NEW efforts are being made in an unexpected quarter to secure the amendment of the Transport Act, 1953, to allow joint haulage companies to be operated by the British Transport Commission and private enterprise.
Sponsors of the movement believe that they will be able to reconcile Socialist and ConserVative opinion, and establish political peace in road transport. There is some foundation for their optimism.
Some Conservative back bench opinion is in favour of such a plan, and it has met with unofficial favour, too, frcim certain of the Labour hierarchy.
There is also a thought that if the scheme were implemented, with it might go another to enable private enterprise to recover a share in some of the Commission's passenger transport undertakings.
But how imminent the plan is remains shrouded in secrecy Conservatives say that progress with denationalization has been so good that they would not hesitate to face a General Election with disposal still unfinished. No difficulty is expected in future disposals. The smooth sale of the vehicles reserved for the small man has encouraged Government opinion and there is confidence that the disposal of the larger parcels of vehicles will be equally progressive.
Behind the scenes, however, both partiesare interested in reaching a political solution of the transport.problem. For all their reiterated threats, the Labour Party do not really, it is suspected, want to renationalize the industry, lock, stock and barrel, with all the attendant risis to a 'vital transport system that would be entailed. Certainly, some Labour leaders give the joint operation scheme their approval— in private. So do certain influential members of the Conservative Party Transport Committee.
At this stage, however, they cannot count on the backing of the Road Haulage Association, who do not welcome co-operation with the B.T.C.
111H.A. LUNCHEON IN MAY
THE Road Haulage Association will hold their annual luncheon at Grosvenor House, London, W.1, on May 10. The Minister of Transport has promised to attend. The national council Will meet next day.