Nationalization Will Punish Farmers
Page 46
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INCONVENIENCES that will be I suffered by farmers under the Transport Bill were emphasized in questions recently put by Mr. Victor Collins, M.P. for Taunton, to the Minister of Transport.
Mr. Collins pointed out that in his area some vehicles were used for transporting livestock on two days of the week and, on the other days, for general farm haulage. The 'use of the vehicles exclusively for livestock would be uneconomic, and Mr. Collins wished to know whether farmers would be allowed to exceed the 25-mile radius when farm produce, other than livestock, was being carried. Some of the farms in his area, he said, were more than 25 miles from fair-sized markets, and some were 10 miles from the nearest railway station. The I'linister replied that vehicles used for livestock were exempted from the provisions of the Bill only when carrying that kind of load. When transporting ordinary goods in Aor Blicence vehicles outside the 25-mile limit, a permit from the British Transport Commission would be required.
Mr. Collins also explained that the Imger horticulturists in his area sent the bulk of their produce to Bristol, which was more than 25 miles away. The railway service was frequently inadequate. Mr. Collins asked in what way it was proposed to ensure that the services of road hauliers continued, or whether 5. nationalized system would be capable of meeting this specialized need.
The Minister replied that the Commission would aim at providing services of the kind mentioned, but private carriers would receive permits to do the work if the Commission were unable to do it.
In reply to a question about the working conditions of drivers employed by the Commission, the Minister said that there was no reason to suppose that the circumstances of long-distance drivers would differ greatly from those obtaining at present.
Another point made by Mr. Collins was that some hauliers in his division were situated more than 25 miles from Taunton, and• unless latitude in the matter of radius were .allowed, their services would have to be suspended. The Minister replied that no general assurance .could be given.
Despite the obvious hardships .which farmers must suffer, Mr. Collins spoke in favour of nationalization, at a meeting at Taunton..