Matter of Opinion
Page 50
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Political Commentary By JAN
SO much political time and newspaper space are devoted to the arguments for and against nationalization that it comes as a surprise to realize the
• indifference with which the issue is regarded by many of the people Chiefly affected. The drivers of goods vehicles are fair game for the quiz-minded individual who likes to feel that he is getting back to the grass roots. The replies to his questions do not necessarily represent the true opinion of his victims, who are far more likely to have no definite opinion one way or the other.
They are often reported as saying that they are not looking forward to the return to private enterprise and to the road haulage industry as it was before the war, when the wages and conditions were scandalous and the maintenance of vehicles poor, and the bosses worked the men to death. As many of the drivers who talk in this way had no first-hand experience of conditions before the war, one suspects that out of politeness they feel called upon to make some comment and to echo what somebody else has said, in the hope that the questioner will be satisfied.
• Peel* Potatoes:;,
Some drivers no doubt base the opinions they express upon their own experience. They have had.a bad deal from an employer in the past, and believe that nationalization has been to their advantage. Too solemn a point is made, however, of the answers people give on subjects in which they are supposed to be interested. Through no fault of their own, most drivers know very little more than anybody else about the organization or the efficiency of the British Transport Commission. In spite of this, they are asked for their opinions in much the same way as the soldier who may spend most of his time peeling potatoes is expected to have definite views and inside information on the strategy of the high command.
Asked whether he approves or disapproves of denationalization, the driver might prefer to put himself in the large and cheerful section that reply "don't know" feeling that, whatever the ultimate fate of his industry, his situation will remain much the same. But when the question comes from another member of the public, an unequivocal answer is expected, and the driver obliges. Which of us in similar circumstances would not do the same?
Change in Structure
Even the driver who has given some thought to the question may not be able to answer in a few words. His political views influence him in one way, and his experiences in another. He naturally wants to know how a change in the structure of the industry will benefit him personally; whether he will get promotion, or higher wages, or a share in the running of the business. The propaganda from each side feeds him with contradictory information on these points, and he cannot be blamed if he has difficulty in making up his mind upon the question.
A good deal depends upon the framing of the question, and upon the circumstances. Some time ago, the American Government sponsored a poll to find out
what various sections of the community thought al the taxation of profits. Among the people sal opposed to it were the negroes of the Southern SO This was so contrary to what the Government expected that an expert was sent to investigate. reported that the negroes had founded their opinior the fact that nowhere in the Bible was there reference to the taxation of prophets.
Heart-searching This is the classic example of the quiz that misfi Even when the interrogation is skilfully fruited s( to provide no margin for an error of understanding, result may give nothing like the whole story. Si questions can be answered truthfully without rn heart-searching. Others, however simply and invitii they may be phrased, stir up so many ideas, emoti delusions and prejudices that a short answer is almos impossibility.
The man who believes in the infallibility of the and the vote cannot understand how road-transi . workers will be 'almost unanimous for nationaliza .,at .a. trade union conference; and :just as unanimou the opposite direction at a meeting called perhaps their employers... So much depends upon the wa■ which a ,ease is put, and -it makes a difference whe you nuMber 'fromthe right or from the left of
political centre. .
Most of the publicopinion polls that have been ta show that the majority of people with a definite opit are not in favour of the nationalization of road tr. port. On the last occasion, a little over a year ag poll sponsored by the News Chronicle asked: "Do approve of the Government's proposal to return r haulage to private ownership, or should it be left is?" There was approval in 43 per cent. of the ans% and disapproval in 32 per Cent., the remaining 25 cent. being undecided, Political Attitude
Further analysis showed, as was to be expected, the division of opinion reflected, although not entii the political attitude of the people interviewed. T 79 out of 100 Conservatives approved and nine 'approved; and the figures for Socialists were 16 and As probably more drivers are Socialists than not, it .be assumed that, were the question put to them, majority, but by no means an overwhelming main would be against the , Government's proposal denationalize.
There is no reason why this should be acceptec inevitable. The recent suggestion that the R Haulage Association should develop a section for dri. shows a welcome recognition of the need for r haulage workers to be given a picture of their indu that is not too strongly coloured by prejudices foi against nationalization. Although it would perhaps be a good thing for such a section to duplicate an! the functions of the trade unions, it might usefully ; expression to opinion S Which would be a correctivi those at present holding the field largely because ti is no articulate opposition.