Drivers next?
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THE TWO WRITERS of a letter in the Financial Times (January 4) commenting on the New Year's Honours List deplore the number of awards given to the "top brass" in many walks of life. "The bigger the chair, the bigger the polish", dominates the selection, they complain.
What of the lorry drivers who play such an important part in the export drive? "There is a growing number of 'new transporters' who spend up to 40 weeks of the year driving on Continental roads in all weathers with a commendably high record of punctuality," they say. "One such man, known to both of us, has spent the last six years of' his life at this exacting work. He has never been absent from his work and not once, so far, despite the rigorous weather he encounters, has he failed to deliver a consignment on time, be the destination Copenhagen or Madrid.
"It would be greatly encouraging to such men if the Honours List were to demonstrate that there is an accolade in every export truck driver's tea can just as any private soldier can win the Victoria Cross."
To Mr. Antony Peck and Miss Nora Wiles I extend the thanks of lorry drivers everywhere for these appropriate words. We look forward to the next Honours List.