Lessons Which Must Be Learnt
Page 31
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A Call For Initiative, Foresight and Bold Leadership Freed From the Trammels of Red Tape, Spates of Forms and Departmental Inertia By
" Tantalus "
PROBABLY it will be remembered that, in a recent issue, " The Commercial Motor" urged that strong action should be taken in an effort to stamp out the " black-market ramp." it advocated the introduction, if necessary, of fresh legislation to widen the powers of the law and increase the severity of penalties in order to banish effectually this enemy of the home front. Since then announcements have been made officially to the effect that, in future, sentences of up to 14 years' penal servitude, with considerably increased fines, may be imposed upon guilty persons.
There' is one feature; however, regarding the new measures which is worthy of note. That is that the only Government Departments mentioned in the Press statements as being concerned are the Home Office and the Ministry of Food. At no time has mention been made of any activity in this direction by the Ministry of War Transport. Now, on the face of things (and having regard to the large number of vehicles which have been stolen), this seems remarkable. Is it to be assumed, therefore, that the M. of W.T. was not a party to the discussions upon so important a subject, or, alternatively, did the Ministry on its own initiative press for action to, be taken? This question is asked in all seriousness, as it is surely a matter of grave concern as to whether or not the interests of the road-transport industry are being protected by the Department responsible. One cannot help remarking that throughout the stress and strain of present-day difficulties, departmental action would appear to be taken only as the result of a Press campaign. Quite frankly, this should not be so. Initiative, foresight and bold leadership should emanate from the top. One of the outstanding factors of this war is the marked slowness and reluctance of some Government New Conditions Need Quick Decisions In peace-time this is not a matter of serious import, but, in meeting the, changed conditions brought about by war, the question becomes one of vital concern.
It seems to me to be the first essential that permanent officials in responsible positions be charged with the responsibility of making decisions, thus eliminating the accepted routine of passing on to this, that or the other Department, or—as a last resource—referring the matter under consideration to a committee. Were some such suggestion adopted, officials then would have to stand or fall by their decisions, as does any business executive. This would ensure prompt action and would pin down responsibility to an individual. For example, the Chief Road Haulage Officer of the M. of W.T. would be empowered to make decisions on occasions when problems are discussed with representatives of the industry.
I realize full well that such a proposal will not be approved in certain circles, because "procedure is --so and so, as laid down in such and such a circular." Surely it is high time that the old slow and cumbersome system be revised and that it be replaced by one which affords freedom for quick and decisive action. The sky is dark and the situation grave. This is no time for armchair methods of complacency. Cut the red tape; reduce the spate of forms; burn away the dead wood.
Energy, enthusiasm, initiative, with a complete absence of selfish motives and a grim determination to organize for victory are the attributes which must be fostered. All preconceived ideas and prejudices must be abandoned. Those in Government Departments—as those in industry—must march with events. In this connection transport is not excluded.
There are people—and many of them—who resent criticism and refuse to face facts. They deceive them selves and influence others in a like manner. As a Nation, until shortly before hostilities commenced, we resolutely refused to face the fact 'that Germany was preparing to wage war on the largest scale in history. Since then there have been other similar examples, and even quite recently that of Malaya. Even in this third year of the war there is a complacent and widespread feeling that victory will come for us somehow sooner or later. The outcome of this complacency is that whenever criticism is made or suggestions offered, the critic • invariably is described as a " grouser " who must have some axe to grind. Whereas, in point of fact, it is only through such critieism that matters are ventilated and irregularities exposed, so compelling the taking of necessary action.
Regrettable Neglect of the Obvious The story of the pre-war planning of road transport in
readiness for hostilities is, indeed: a sorry one. The industry urged the then Minister of Transport to prepare adequate plans against such an eventuality, but the plea was ignored. The policy adopted was that of limiting and restricting road transport to an alarming degree. Only after two years of colistant and persistent hammering was a war-time scheme evolved and launched.
Then there is the question of alternative fuels. From the outbreak of war it was apparent that petrol was the most important item upon which the final issue might depend. Yet what steps has the M. of W.T. taken to develop and encourage the use of alternative fuels? At the very outset this important matter should have been tackled resolutely and immediately. No one can foretell what the future has.in store; but tragic indeed would be the position if the war effort were seriously impaired owing to vehicles being laid up for lack of fuel.
The necessity of relaxing the regulations governing drivers' hours is another matter of urgency. How can road transport possibly operate to the best advantage and meet the demands and exigencies of war if it continues to be cumbered by peace-time regulations? There are still far too many prosecutions for paltry and purely technical offences that are of no real consequence. It may be that, upon occasions, one official eye is closed to some breaches of the regulations; but, definitely, the other remains open.
Frequently I wonder whether, in the event of attempted invasion, there would still be insistence upon strict observance of peace-time regulations. Can we not learn a lesson from our Russian ally in this respect?
The Axis Powers know, and we too realize, that this is a year of destiny which calls for a supreme effort in all directions and from every source. Slow-pre-war methods and burdensome procedure must be replaced by alertness and efficient organization. Only the very best is good enough..