Posts in Nationalized Transport
Page 22
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MANY men who are at present occupying important or reasonably good positions in commercial road transport, particularly on the haulage side, and perhaps, to a less extent, on that engaged in public passenger carrying, are anxiously considering the new circumstances which may seriously affect their livelihood and mode of life, nationalization being now more than a threat.
Some, of course, are bound to be directly affected. We refer to those who are actually employed by concerns which will, if everything follows on the lines laid out by the Government, be taken over by the State. Now, no one, even the most biased, could possibly criticize or blame any official of a concern due for nationalization who accepts a post in the new set-up. When, however, it comes to other persons who may not be so affected, the question May arise as to whether they will be doing right in accepting such posts even in putting forward suggestions that they should be employed under the British Transport Commission. There may be those who might go so far as to call them traitors to the industry, especially if they have been in the forefront of the fight against the Transport Act.
For the Individual's Conscience The matter is one which, in our view, should be left entirely to the individual concerned. The Commission will undoubtedly require many men of sound knowledge, both technical and operational, and whilst most of us may not like the particular system which is to be employed, we must all make the best of a bad job and help to avoid the chaotic transport conditions which would result if the staff were to be utterly incompetent.
A civil servant, even of higher rank, need not necessarily be a Government supporter. In the normal course of things, he must often be opposed to any particular Government in office—in other words, his work must be non-political whatever be his private views. The same thing must obviously apply to those who will be called upon to work for the Transport Commission. Any other policy would merely give the Socialist Government the excuse, in the event of the " machine " failing, that this was due to sabotage.
Nationalization is now, or eventually may be, on trial, and it must be given the opportunity of proving its merits or otherwise. In this case the individual does not matter, and whether he agrees to work for the Commission, or refuses to do so, must lie with his own conscience. Personal criticisms, if ,any, will probably come from those who are not afforded opportunities of retaining their present positions or of obtaining others of greater importance and higher remuneration.
Commissioners Set an Example The composition of the Commission itself is indicative of the attitude which, in our view, should be adopted. At least two of the members are men who have held high positions under free or reasonably free enterprise. They are probably not greatly enamoured with the prospect of State ownership, but this has not prevented them from acceptinggreat responsibility.
Therefore, let there be no recriminations. We certainly will not be a party to any such attitude, although, as all our regular readers will know, we are amongst the strongest opponents of the nationalization of road transport, and 'still hope that circumstances will be such that it will never be brought into full effect.
We would issue one warning to potential candidates for positions under the Commission. The duration of the posts is naturally tied up with the Transport Act. If this eventually be repealed the Commission will cease to function and there will undoubtedly be a great reshuffle. Therefore. those who are in secure employment in sections of the industry which will not be affected in any case, should think twice before making any move.