Editorial Nuisance value
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THIS WEEK we have issued an invitation to the new Secretary of State for Transport to meet the leaders of all sectors of road transport.
The next incumbent at the Department of Transport will soon be assailed from all directions by those seeking favour for their own specific interest. We are prepared to set up the introductory meeting as a small step towards establishing early relationships between the industry and the Administration. We hope the invitation will be accepted.
Whoever is favoured by the Prime Minister to represent transport at the Cabinet meeting each Thursday, the industry must not lose an opportunity to keep its case in the forefront of the Minister's workload.
Not only the trade associations should be fighting excessive vehicle excise duty, road restrictions, town centre bans and other penal and restrictive practices. It is the duty of every supplier and user of transport to make their case to their newly elected member.
In our experience Members of Parliament — especially new members — are more than anxious to catch the Speaker's eye. They also have the facil ity to put down a written question which leads to a mention in Hansard.
There is nothing unethical in using MPs to make the case for road transport. It is not a great chore to attend a member's "surgery" or write a letter once each month. Such action will keep the case for road transport up front in members' minds. It will educate them and fit them better for debate in the House of Commons.
If this is considered to be making a nuisance of oneself then so be it. We intend to campaign vigorously. We entreat our readers to join us.