Tax Bias Condemned Internationally
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THEproposed levy on road goods transport gives topical importance to the report prepared by the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Union of Railways and the International Road Transport Union. The report was compiled at the request of the Economic Commission for Europe to reconcile the differences of opinion on transport policy which existed between these three organizations.
The report, which is referred to in the annual review of the British National Committee of the I.C.C., issued this week, endorsed the principles of freedom of choice and of transport " for own account." Discrimination in the field of taxation was opposed, as was the levying of taxes, which were likely to interfere with healthy competition.
The tripartite report was received enthusiastically by governmental delegates at Geneva, where it was stated to be a landmark in post-war studies of transport problems. As a result, delegates had, the review states, been able to submit to their national Governments a set of proposals which might form the basis of a general transport policy.
Difficulties have arisen in defining " transport for own account." A definition was adopted at the Lisbon conference, but, states the review, "further examination of this difficult matter has since been undertaken with a view to reconciling, if possible, the differences existing between the
views and those of the Economic Commissionafor Europe. A complete and agreed definition would go far towards safeguarding the freedom of transport essential to users."
Increasing attention has been focused by Governments on the study of the transport of dangerous goods. The I.C.C.'s opinion was sought by the United Nation's Economic and Social Council on a preliminary study , of international regulations for the transport of dangerous goods and the British National Committee's views have been expressed,1
EIRE RESTRICTS IMPORTS : INDIA SEEKS PROTECTION
TO stimulate the development of assemblyand coachbuilding in the Irish Republic, the Eire Government has prohibited, as from last Tuesday, the import of commercial vehicles and bodies, except under licence.
The Government of India is also investigating the protection of its domestic motor industry. It has referred the matter to the Tariff Commission, with a request for recommendations for the rapid, sound growth of the Indian motor industry. The Commission will, among other questions, examine the proposed programme -of Hindustan Motors and Premier Automobiles.
W. E. Bray and Co., Ltd., Feltham, Middx, has produced a new type of electric power crane and will demonstrate it next week.