Election Killed List 5.4: B.R.S.
Page 32
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Replacing Sold Vehicles
THE impending General Election and threats of renationalization are L largely to blame for the failure of sales in list S.4 of transport units. Generally, however, the gloomy prophecies of Socialist supporters regarding denationalization have not been fulfilled.
These views were expressed on Tuesday by Mr. R. G. Crowther, a national vice-chairman of the Road Haulage Association. He was deputizing for Mr. James Barrie, national chairman, at the Association's annual luncheon.
The Government should disregard the precipitate demand of the Trades Union Congress for the end of disposal. Energy and goodwill in carrying out the terms of the 1953 Act could ensure the completion of sales.
Prices were, however, still too high. Rejection of tenders could be avoided if the British Transport Commission's minimum prices were substantially lowered to conform more nearly to the written-down values of vehicles in the books of British Road Services.
Mr. Crowther criticized the action of B.R.S. in selling a depot with vehicles and then immediately drafting other vehicles into the locality to compete with those sold. He complained also of the failure to publish statistics showing the number of vehicles operated by B.R.S. in December, 1952, with additions and subtractions since that date through wastage substitutions and sales under the 1953 Act.
Bought in Good Faith
In two recent cases, substantial depots had been bought in good faith and the Commission had drafted additional vehicles into the area to take the place of those sold.
On the subject of relations with employees, Mr. Crowther said that there were many fields in which employers and workers could act jointly for the benefit of everyone. In such circumstances, the unions would always find the R.H.A. ready to explore any problem and to deal with special difficulties.
Mr. J. A. Boyd-Carpenter, Minister of Transport, the guest of honour, said that the number of vehicles ultimately for disposal might be a little smaller than 32,000. He hoped that the parcels organization would be sold.
Mr. C. W. H. Sparrow made his last speech as a leader of the Association. Sir Miles Thomas, chairman of B.O.A.C., responded.
Ro.S.PA. PRESIDENT RETIRES
QN medical advice, Sir Charles Bartlett has resigned his post as ;president of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. A former chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., Sir Charles was elected president in October, 1953, and was a vice-president from 1946-53.
RUTLAND'S NEW HOME -nit new factory of Motor Traction, I Ltd., makers of Rutland commercial vehicles, is to be opened at Vulcan Way, New Addington, Surrey, on Monday. A30
INJUNCTION AGAINST CORPORATION
AN interim injunction to restrain Belfast Corporation from holding the first hearing of a disciplinary charge against a member of the National Association of Transport Employees without a union representative being' present Was granted by Mr. Justice Curran in the Ulster High Court last week.
Plaintiffs were three bus drivers and, a conductor, all N.A.T.E. members. Mr. Justice Curran observed that the matter was one for appeal by the Corporation to the National Arbitration Tribunal.
33 OBJECTIONS TO EXTRA VEHICLES THIRTY-THREE objections-31 of I them by hauliers—have been lodged against applications by Econofreight Transport, Ltd., Stockton-on-Tees. They are applying to the Northern Licensing Authority for an A licence for six vehicles of 8 tons each -to be acquired, for the carriage of general goods, road and building materials, chemicals and other commodities in Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire, and for a tanker (94 tons) for the transport of bulk cement.
The case is listed for hearing at Stockton-on-Tees next Tuesday.
TRAVEL CONCESSIONS BILL LAW
AS forecast in The Commercial Motor last week, the Public Service Vehicles (Travel Concessions) Bill received the Royal assent on May 6. Shortly afterwards, steps were taken at Birmingham to restore the travel concessions which were abandoned after the Court of Appeal had ruled them to be invalid.
A notice of motion for the restoration of the concession, to be discussed at a meeting of Birmingham City Council on May 24, was handed in.
MORE LECTURERS WANTED
ACRITICAL factor in the work of the National Committee on Road Transport Education is the provision of lecturers, states Mr. Raymond Birch, chairman. Employers can help by encouraging suitable officers to offer themselves as part-time instructors.
The committee's 1954 report states that the number of candidates for examinations last year was the lowest for seven years. Greater support from employers is to be solicited.