Minority Holding . Can Confer Control
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE permissive nature of the powers given to the Minister of Transport by the Transport Act, 1953, to direct the British Transport Commission to dispose of controlling interests in bus companies, is criticized by The Law Journal.
It is pointed out that the Minister can do no more than to order the Commission to sell 51 per cent, of their voting shares. "This Jimitation," says The Law Journal, " could be of great importance, because clearly a 49 per cent, holding (indeed, a smaller one) °nen gives complete de facto control, v et the removal of control by ' railwaymen ' might have been thought to be one of the main purposes of the subclause [6]."
Doubt is cast also on the provision
by which special power is given to the Commission to run contract carriages for the purposes of "a pleasure party consisting of persons employed by the Commission with or without their families or friends," The word " friends," says The Lily Journal, surely invites abuse.
ROAD ACCIDENTS MORE GRIEVOUS THAN CRIMES
LIFE was far more valuable than property, and far more life was being lost and more grief and sorrow caused by road accidents than in all the crimes of 10 years. Mr. N. W. Goodcbild, a member of the national executive council of the National Society for the Prevention of Accidents, made this observation when he presented safe-driving awards to employees of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., last week.
He contended that the prevention of road accidents was the major duty of he police. To suggest that police were being withdrawn from their legitimate duties to deal with traffic was "talking rubbish." Increases in accidents in the
first quarter of 1953 had nearly offset the saving of life in the previous year, when casualty figures dropped, he said.
NEW TIPPING TRAILER
In.A NEW hydraulic tipping trailer has been produced by the Dechmont Welding and Engineering Co., Cambusrang. It has been designed for use in conjunction with a Ferguson tractor, but can be modified to suit other makes of prime mover, or for manual operation.
The body is constructed of welded heavy-gauge steel plate and can carry 2i tons. The axle is placed well to the rear, so that most of the weight is borne by the tractor.
COUNCIL TO TAKE OVER?
•FO1-LOW1NG the decision of a local operator to discontinue a town bus service because it was uneconomic, Hexham Urban District Council have decided to investigate the question
whether they can operate the service as a municipal enterprise. The service has been described as a social benefit, and even if it were run at a loss, the council believe the ratepayers would be prepared to support the plan.
"OIL FOR BRITAIN"
THE story of oil, from well to con
sumer, is being told at the "Oil for Britain" Exhibition which is being held by the Esso Petroleum Co.. and the British Mexican Petroleum Co., in the Merchants' Hall, Baltic Exchange, St. Mary Axe, London. E.C.3. By means of pictures and diagrams the visitor is taken through the stages of exploration, drilling, transport, refining, research and distribution. Admission to the exhibition, which closes on May 22, is free.
WIPAC PLUG FOR BEDFORDS
DESIGNED for Bedford engines with a tendency to oil up, a Wipac sparking plug with a reach of 1'6 in. has been introduced. It sells at 3s. 6d. Known as the P4M, it is recommended for Bedford vehicles used mainly on short-distance work and is guaranteed for 10,000 miles.