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Combined Effort Needed to Fight
Page 78
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Socialists, Says Mr. Watkinson
THE Government and the Road I Haulage Association must work together in the battle against the Socialists' renationalization plans for road transport, Mr. Harold Watkinson, Minister of Transport, said in London on Monday. He was addressing members of the Association'S Metropolitan and South Eastern Area at their annual dinner. Mr. Watkinson said that when the Conservatives were saddled with the task of coping with nationalizedindustries they tried to reform them in such a way as to put an end to talk of renationalization, but the Socialists could not, or would not, take it. The vast majority of the population was opposed to any more nationalization, believing that industry and commerce would thrive only if driven by a spirit of free enterprise and competition. No Government could take over and run an industry better than it could run itself, and foreign competitors would rub their hands with glee if they could see us committed to more nationalization.
The Minister emphasized that the C licensee should not think for one moment that he would escape again. It was almost certain that he would suffer, and this would be fatal, for full employment and the rising standard of living would be endangered. The present Government were, however, well aware of their duty to protect the public interest, which was why they bad always supported the licensing system. Discussing the railways, Mr. Watkinson said the country could not afford to abolish them, although the system should be a good deal smaller than at present,
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concentrating on a narrow range of functions. The Government would press forward with further decentralization and regionalization, for the British Transport Commission's role in the transport pattern was strictly limited, although it had an important part to play, " The Government intend to do all in their power to encourage real private enterprise in all spheres," he added. Mr. A. E. Drain, area chairman, said the rapid growth of road haulage was (hie to the fact that it formed an essential part of every other industry. Paying tribute to Mr. Watkinson, he said it was welcome change to have a Minister of Transport who took a realistic view of transport's role, "He had a predecessor just after the war, from the other side of the House, who thought his function was to preside at the demise of road transport," said Mr. Drain. "If the extreme Left Wing ever:. get into power again we are threatened with having another Minister of Transport who will make a thorough job of crushing it out of existence."
MEDALS NOT WANTED
A EN who need monetary awards to 1V1 do their best should not be driving buses for any local authority, according to Cllr. Emily Costford, a member of Rochdale Town Council. She made this comment in suggesting that the transport committee should reconsider a proposal to give cash awards for safe driving. Although her proposal was seconded, it failed after Cllr. C. Smith had pointed out that medals were viewed with "great contempt." Even when a hot-pot supper was provided at presentation ceremonies only a small percentage of men attended.