1e COMM ERCIAL
Page 23
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MOTOR
Another Brownerism
ON TUESDAY the House of Commons spent 6 hours and 27 minutes discussing prices, and every so often the subject came round to cost increases which have occurred since the Socialists started to govern this country. There were, of course, numerous references to the fact that three particular items, one of which is the recommended 5 per cent increase in road haulage rates, are to be considered by the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
Now when such is the case, one would rather assume that Parliament would refrain from comment on the rights and wrongs (depending on your point of view) of• the haulage rates increase, so as not to risk influencing the Board% deliberations. Indeed, Mr. Joseph Godber did remark: "I do not say this is sub judice, but I think that it would be inappropriate to go into detail ".
With even greater regard for correctness, the Road Haulage Association generously agreed on Wednesday to recommend deferment wherever possible of any increase until the Board has examined the reasons. In the face of two sharp attacks by the Socialist Chancellor in some six months (6d. on fuel tax and 50 per cent on excise licences), this was a statesmanlike move which can only count in favour of road hauliers in general.
Compare this, and Mr. Godber's reserve, with the attitude of Mr. Brown, reported on page 25. In Tuesday's debate he made wild and rather ill-informed remarks about reasons for haulage rates, apparently thinking fuel tax was the only cost increase. One would have more regard for him if, having referred the matter to his committee, he then waited for that body to deliberate. Mr. Brown is too much concerned with Party dogma, and not sufficiently concerned with the facts of business life.