N.R.T.F. Holds Big Luncheon A T a special luncheon held
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by the In. National Road Transport Federation at the Savoy Hotel on December 4, and to which reference is made in our leading editorial, there was a most representative gathering of the road transport industry. The main-line railway general managers were also present.
The president of the Federation, Lord Perry, K.B.E., LL.D., presided. He said that ' he would like the _Minister to expiaia his colleague's pronouncement on the nationalization of road transport The industry did not appreciate the delegation of authority when it had a Minister.
The Minister, Mr. A. Barnes, giving the toast of the Federation and its three Associations, said that on some suitable occasion he would be delighted to discuss the problems put forward. He congratulated the industry on the great task it had performed for the Nation, in the recent struggle. It had done just as much as other more spectacular sides. He referred to the importance of the developments by which personnel of Government Departments and those in private trading had been brought together. In addition, there had been no breakdown between employers and workers in road transport during the whole period. How vital transport is had been impressed upon the British people. He suggested that the industry should not withhold its punches, but fight to the last ditch, and he would be at the other side punching as hard; but when the Bill was passed and Royal Assent given, then the industry must behave in a constitutional manner.
In his reply, Mr. H. T. Dutfield. Minst.T., said that the Minister had wished the Federation every prosperity but not long life. The industry was conscious of the fact that it did not get any spectacular advertisement, but no trade 'gave more loyally of its best towards the successful prosecution of the war, although the industry was built up almost entirely by small men. Road transport could never have been the success it is, except under private enterprise. He asked that the Minister should not be influenced by doctrinaire principles, and he emphatically denied that the industry was inefficient.