Huge London Meeting Supports Government Scheme
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LAST.Thursday was notable as being 1...ethe occasion upon which was held what is believed to be the biggest meeting of those concerned with road haulage which has ever been convened in the Metropolitan Area. Some 1;800 operators filled the Kingsway Hall to hear a brief address on the Government road-haulage scheme by Major G. A. Renwick, chairman of the Road Haulage (Operations) Advisory Committee, and to be afforded anopportunity of asking questions regarding it. Other members of the Committee present, who formed what the chairman of the meeting, Mr. Gleeson E. Robinson, LL.D., M.C., described aS the " Brains Trust," were: Messrs. I. Barrie, J.P., W. J. Elliott, C. Holdsworth, J. S. Nicholl, C.B.E., R. W. Sewill, M.A., and J. H. Turner, O.B.E.
The following draft resolution, proposed in powerful and eloquent terms by Mr. Frank Fowler and seconded by Mr. F. Lucas, was carried unanimously:—" That this meeting (1) pledges itself to give all possible support to the Government scheme with a view to assisting in the successful prosecution of the war; (2) expresses appreciation of the work of the Advisory Committee and its success in securing this partnership between the Ministry and the industry; (3) notes with satisfaction that the Advisory Committee will be kept in being to protect the interests of the industry."
More Details of Scheme Shortly Available
Major Renwick said that the scheme was not yet quite complete. Some details concerning it were still in the hands of the printers and would be issued shortly. , The .industry was full of apprehension and was asking in what way road haulage had failed the Ministry or the country. He replied that it •had failed in no way; but for road haulage, he hesitated to think what would have happened to this Nation. He would add that, in 1926, but for it, the country would have been in a very unfortunate position. In a national crisis almost anything is justified, and in no circumstances could this country allow itself to be put in the position of having one or all of its transport systems break down. Therefore, a " hard core " of vehicles had to be -on instant call, and the Committee was convinced that it is essential. Its task was to confine the number to the smallest commensurate with safety. There were not unjustifiable reasons for the idea that all transport might be taken over, and the scheme was really a way out, so far as road transport is concerned. The 2,500 vehicles required from all over the country were a very small number in proportion to the whole. As regards the " Defence Lines," there was no obligation to join these if one was so unpatriotic as to refuse to do so, hut Mr. Gleeson Robinson was only human
and might view badly those operators who failed in this duty. This was not a threat, merely a personal view.
We will now give some of the principal questions and answers:— Q: Can we have an assurance that the machinery set up under the scheme will not, later, be used against the interests of the industry, as there is a fear that it might mean the small operators being put out of business without compensation?
A: This depends entirely upon the Government of the day after hostilities cease. The greatest safeguard will De to give your vehicles willingly and to do all that you can to help. Then, the industry can put up a good case. It is important to remember that no Government can commit another to decisions, and it rests partly with the industry as to whom it appoints to represent it in Parliament.
Q: Who owns the 704 International vehicles which will form part of the " hard core," and where are they running?
A: The Government, but the lorries have not yet been placed on the road.
Q: Workers' rights are to be guaranteed, why should not a similar assurance be given to haulage operators?
-Industry's Interests Will be Safeguarded A: The machinery is staffed in almost all its important positions by members of the industry, and they will watch with a jealous eye to see that nothing be done to harm haulage. They had the personal assurance of the Minister that all he is doing is to build up for a .possible emergency, but there will be a difficult time to bridge immediately following the cessation of hostilities.
Q: For what will vehicles in the "Defence Lines" be used?
A: Only ordinary vehicles are required, unless otherwise stated. The Regional Transport Commissioners would analyse their employment and, so far as possible, take only those that could be spared, probably for quite short periods in specific areas. Operators are strongly advised to enter all their vehicles.
Q: Will vehicles under 6 tons be required for the " hard core "?
A: It is not likely. There will probably be special rates for special vehicles. These would be necessary only for emergency work of a local nature.
Q: Will supplementary fuel supplies be reduced to operators not entering?
A: Chattered vehicles will have no preference as regards spares or fuel.
Q: Will drivers continue to fle reserved?
A: Reservation is now individual, and there is little fear that those on important Work will be taken.
This meeting was convened by Associated Road Operators, the Commercial Motor Users Association and theLondon . and Home Counties Haulage Contractors Association.