A Glimmer of Light
Page 36
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"COR a long period the threats issued by the Socialist Opposition and members of their party as to the extensive nature of their nationalization programme in case of a return to power have probably done more than anything else to upset the manufacturing side of the commercial motor industry.
Thousands of orders that would have been placed by hauliers and others have been stopped or delayed because those concerned did not see why they should buy new equipment just to hand it over to the State as they did before. Even the constant threats against ancillary users have had some, although perhaps not quite so serious, effects in this direction.
ft appears now, however, that hope is reviving in the minds of operators that either the Socialists will not win the next election or, if they do so, it will be with such a small majority as considerably to cramp their activities.
There is a growing wave of indignation, not only in road haulage but almost throughout industry and trade. against the threats made against their freedom, and it is believed that as this continues to rise it will become too powerful to be resisted by the Socialists, however pugnacious they may show themselves to be at present.
There is certainly a new feeling in the air. The restrictions on finance and in other directions which had to be imposed by the present Government to bring the country out of the morass into which it had been plunged by the Socialists, are now being appreciated as essential, if objectionable and unpopular, steps which are steadily being ameliorated as deflationary measures are withdrawn or reduced. But there must be no quick return to inflation.
It is believed by many people that the nation's voters will not undo the good work achieved and leave the country once again at the mercy of enthusiastic cranks, who appear to have no idea of the harm that they have done previously and can do again if given the opportunity. It is to be hoped that this optimism is justified and that the new impetus to our trade will continue.