More "Co-ordination" of Transport
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THE annual dinner of the Institute of Transport, held at the Connaught Rooms, London was well attended, there being over 550 people present, with the President, Sir Cyril Hurcomb, K.B.E., C.B. (Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Transport) in the chair.
The toast of the Institute was proposed by Lord Essendon, who referred to the goods motor as being a disturbing factor to railways and coastal shipping, and expressed doubt as to whether it is to the public advantage. Air transport had established itself and must be allowed to take its place in the carrying trade of the United Kingdom.
The chairman, in his reply, referred to the growth of the Institute, and said that people do not take: 'an B38
interest in transport unless they -think there is something in transport. Along our new roads, houses and factories have sprung up. In this process there has been loss as well as gain; the countryside has been exposed to cruel ravages. Public opinion was in favour of controlling this evil, which impairs the value of roads for fast-moving traffic.
The Government is no longer a watch-elog, but is constructive and positive in its aims, resorting more to co-operation with those it is forced to control. It is not practicable to allow a man to take a vehicle of any size he wishes upon the road, and to behave as he likes. Parliament has indicated its desire to co-ordinate the various forms of transport, both internally and one with another, and is no longer content to leave competition chaos to reign.
Passenger transport by road already ranks with our great public services. Its technical equipment is excellent, its management inspired by the enlightened views of public service, and its army of employees sets a high standard of competence. He believed that the road transport of goods will acquire a similar status. As each branch of transport becomes better organized and its function more clearly envisaged, the opportunity to co-ordinate one with another will surely be found.
Sir Joseph Nall gave the toast of the guests, which was replied to by Mr. Hare-Belisha.