Sir Brian and Gen. Russell Agree
Page 48
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
COMMENTS by Maj.-Gen. G. N. Russell, chairman of British Road Services, in the Henry Spurrier Memorial Lecture to the Institute of Transport on Monday, were substantially endorsed by Sir Brian Robertson, chairman of the British Transport Commission. It is unusual for the Henry Spurrier lecture to. be discussed, but on this occasion there was a lively debate.
Sir Brian said that Maj.-Gen. Russell had gilien a true general picture and that he agreed with the tenor of the paper. although perhaps not with every word. Maj.-Gen. Russell was a member of the Eastern Regional Board, he emphasized. and was therefore responsible for railways, as well as for road transport. Competition was largely between public and private transport, and the erosion of public transport might bring increasing difficulties.
Answering a criticism of C-licence holders by a railwayman who had agreeti with most of the paper, Maj.-Gen. Russel: suggested that they, like motorists, should be free, but both should pay their rightful share of the cost of motorways. Public transport operators must compete by selling good service at the right price.
Both Maj.-Gen. Russell and other speakers arc strongly in favour of a transport research association similar to the Motor Industry Research Association.
[The paper is reported on page 634.]
HAULIERS MUST ENHANCE THEIR PRESTIGE
BETWEEN now and the next general election, members of the Rciad Haulage Association and of other transport groups must take steps to enhance their prestige. so that no valid argument; will be found in favour of renationalization. This advice was given by Mr. Norman Ingram, a national vicechairman of the R.H.A.. at the Birmingham Sub-area's annual dinner last week.
He pointed out that the misdeeds of a few hauliers had been discussed in Parliament. and it was essential that the rest should conduct themselves properly to avoid any criticism. The Association were considering a publicity campaign to warn trade and industry of the dangers in renationalization.
Referring to licensing applications, Mr. Ingram said he was apprehensive about the rigid attitude in the courts to the interpretation of normal user under A licences.
HAULIERS WILL NOT BE "CAUGHT ON THE HOP"
THE road haulage industry will not be " caught on the hop" if nationalization comes again. This promise was given by ClIr. W. Bridge, chairman of the Yorkshire (West Riding) Area of the Road Haulage Association, at the annual dinner of the R.H.A. York Sub-Area.
"We hear talk of renationalization, hut we are very well prepared for what may take place in the future," he declared. The industry was now going from strength to strength.