B.T.C.'s Methods of Acquisition Challenged by R.H.A. Officer
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IN private business negotiations, there I was first an investigation, then a valuation and finally a cash transaction. The British Transport Commission dispensed with these formalities and concentrated instead on getting hold of the other party's physical assets.
Applicants for permits were dependent upon the benevolence of the • Road Haulage Executive which, besides having the right to refuse permits, was free to run vehicles to carry the traffic in question, said Mr. R. N. Ingram, chairman of the West Midland Area of the Road Haulage Association, at the Birmingham Sub-area dinner last Saturday.. "I submit that this is not common justice," he added.
Referring to denationalization, Mr. Ingram continued: "The cliché, 'the egg cannot be unscrambled,' must not be taken seriously. It can be done."
The free-enterprise representatives on the liaison committees must keep before them the R.H.E.'s promise not to extend its activities into the " free " sphere. Mr. Ingram concluded: "If the R.H.E. does not endeavour to build up a monopolistic power, the free haulier will continue to give of his best, with the help of the R.H.A., as in the past."
Aid H. Humphreys, LP., Lord Mayor of Birmingham, had told members, You are what is left from the nationalized effort. Through as.sociation, you can keep up your high standard and show the way to the nationalized concerns.''
Mr. J. Foley Egginton, West Midland Deputy Licensing Authority, in responding to a toast hs the guests, proposed by Mr. H. Herringshaw, chairman of the sub-area, said that he was accustomed to having the iast word. This right was no longer his. The Association had lost many members through nationalization and the members who were left had to face a new set of conditions.
The R.H.A. had been a great help both to industry and to the Licensing Authorities in the past, and would continue to play a useful part.
Speaking at the annual dinner of the Hereford Sub-area, with Mr. H. E. Coleman in the chair, Mr, Ingram said that it was impossible to avoid politics when the prospect was either a continuance of the present regime or a new government and a chance to have the Transport Act repealed or modified.
The R.H.E. had said that it would interfere with local hauliers as little as possible, and would work with them in mutual understanding. Free hauliers would, however, be foolish to make concessions to the State. After February 23, hauliers might have a chance to buy back their interests in road haulage.
Mr. F. W. H. Winwood, chairman of the Worcester Sub-area. warned operators against optimism. Even if transport were returned to private enterprise, the losses of the State railways would still have to be covered, he said.