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No, no, 50,000 times no John Peyton

16th July 1971, Page 14
16th July 1971
Page 14
Page 14, 16th July 1971 — No, no, 50,000 times no John Peyton
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Keywords :

Both TML propositions rejected by Minister

• There is to be no Government financial aid for the Transport Managers Licensing Committee's scheme for training transport managers.

Replying on last Friday to separate proposals which have been made by the TMLC and by the National Guild of Transport Managers, Mr John Peyton, Minister for Transport Industries, said he found himself unable to meet the Committee's request for a £50,000 Government loan to launch their scheme, as he felt -it should be financed by industry from the start". He expressed the hope "that funds will be forthcoming to enable the scheme to be launched and that it will find wide support".

Mr Peyton has explained to the NGTM that he has decided not to introduce a statutory scheme of licensing, for which they were asking, because he does not feel that this would be the best way of ensuring that the present statutory requirements for the safe operation of goods vehicles are met.

Replying on behalf of the TM LC , its chairman. Mr D. H. Joyce, expressed disappointment at the contents of the Minister's letter. "We must assume,writes Mr Joyce, "that your refusal of a loan is not based on doubts as to the efficacy or value of our proposals, as your remarks about them are most cordial, and appreciated by us. You suggest that the provision of a loan is not a Government responsibility as the benefits will accrue to industry, and therefore industry should provide the finance.

"We hoped that you had accepted our submission that a greater degree of professionalism in transport must be to the advantage of the economy as a whole, and therefore could not be without appeal to Her Majesty's Government.

"We further explained that the provision of finance in the absence of a Government loan would not rest simply with the Industrial Associations represented on my Committee but that an equal share would have to be provided by the bodies responsible for Transport Education. This equal share of responsibility for service has been a principle accepted throughout by all the members of my Committee but it is not matched by an equal ability to provide finance. Hence the hope expressed to you that access to funds provided for educational purposes might be possible.

"As this has apparently not been found practicable it will be necessary to take special measures involving a serious revision of timetable. Our objective remains unaltered but it will inevitably take substantially longer to achieve it."

Mr F. P. Coult, general secretary of the NGTM. has issued the following statement. "The Minister's decision comes at a time when an increasing number of managers (and employers) are becoming convinced of the necessity for such legislation. We feel sure Mr Peyton is aware of the changed climate in which a statutory scheme would have been received and, for this reason alone, we are surprised as well as disappointed.

"The Guild is convinced that the implementation of Section 65 is only a matter of time. The fact that he has decided not to repeal the Section suggests to us that a similar thought is in the Minister's mind. In any case, we shall continue to press him for the introduction of a statutory licensing scheme.

"The Minister has accepted that the Guild's efforts are aimed at raising the standards of transport management and, in line with this, we shall give our support and co-operation in working the voluntary scheme of the TML Committee. We must, however, repeat our contention that such a voluntary scheme will not be effective in bringing into line the managers who make legislation necessary.

"Until the Minister is convinced that a statutory control is necessary, therefore, the wholeindustry is the loser, not least of all the transport manager in his battle to obtain true professional status and recognition."

A welcome for the decision not to proceed with a statutory scheme came from the Freight Transport Association which observes that transport managers have been worried for far too long by the uncertainty and confusion on this point. The Association was disappointed that the Minister was unable to give financial assistance to a voluntary scheme. It would not be reconsidering, in conjunction with other interested parties, the whole approach to the main objective of developing and promoting the right qualifications for transport and distribution management.


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