Complacency is dangerous
Page 59
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August 2, 1946 Editor: G. Mackenzie Junner WHATEVER has been said to the contrary in some sections of the Press, the need for continuing with all possible strength the fight against the proposed nationalisation of an important section of commercial road transport is just as urgent as ever. To make statements, whether intentionally or not, calculated to inspire a spirit of optimism and false confidence amongst hauliers is unwise and, in fact, positively dangerous.
Government speakers have, in the past few days, stated definitely that the plans for nationalisation are going ahead. Admittedly, the Government Road Haulage Organisation is to cease functioning on August 16, and the Minister has accepted the suggestions, put forward by representatives of the industry, designed to meet the Government's requirements in respect of any urgent and special haulage tasks of an official nature. It was for such work and, primarily, to conserve fuel and transport, that the RHO was originally formed. In other words, the need, if it ever really existed, for the RHO has ceased, and such a scheme would be reinstituted only if hauliers could not cope with the particular traffics which were mainly the exclusive business of the RHO.
No monopoly in road-rail plan The scheme for the coordination of road and rail services in this country, whicl was formulated by the Roal Haulage Association in con junction with the mainlin railways, has received somewhat mixed reception ii the general Press. Some of th comments would seem t, imply that the writers hay failed to realise the full impli cations of the plan and believ• that this was brought forwari purely as one to be set agains the Government's national isation proposals.
Some believe that haulier will, if the plan be approved b: the Government, become sub servient to rail interests. W cannot read that into the pro posals as they have beei outlined, but it is a poin against which some safe guards might be introduced.