New Wine in New Bottles
Page 35
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A Critical Analysis of the Work of the Standing Joint Committee and Views on Its New Constitution, Hopes for the Future and Possibilities of Constructive Work
By
"Tantalus"
THE record of the Standing Joint Committee since its formation in January, 1939; cannot be said to be a particularly impressive one. This, indeed, has been admitted by its supporters. The recent report and review, however, indicate that a new spirit is permeating this body, whilst its desires and ambitions are expressed in creditable terms. It may be that the lessons of the past have been learned; if so, experience has proved a valuable teacher.
An S.J.C. for the industry is sound in principle and through this medium much valuable work should be accomplished. Indeed, of all the numerous committees which have been set up in connection with road transport none has had greater opportunities of achievement. To review, the past at this stage would serve no useful purpose. Attention must be concentrated upon present problems, also those of the future, by the best brains which the industry can provide—the brains of men who seek to serve the interests of the industry, not those of individuals. It is essential that principles should come before personalities and honour before honours. Sincerity and altruism should obtain throughout.
If the terms of the report already referred to are a general expression of a desire to render real sennee to the industry—and are not merely so many pious words— the future of the S. J.C. is assured. The report calls attention to a number of committees linked up with the S.J.C. and names five of the main ones; two of these are closely allied to the M. of W.T. It is possible that some of these committees may become redundant. If so, in the reconstituting of the S.J.C., this matter should receive consideration. • Reorganization Must Avoid Duplication The report states that amongst the important matters dealt with by the Executive COmmittee are those concerning the hire of vehicles by the Services, organization of war transport, speed limits for goods vehicles, etc. Is it not a fact that the C.M.U.A. and.A.R.O. could equally • claim that they also have dealt with these matters quite independently of the S.J.C.? This, surely, is a clear case of duplication. Unless there is included in the reorganization scheme some proposal to deal with this position little advance will have been made.
The S.J.C. rightly reminds us of the hard fight which took place in the early stages of the war in order that road transport might be accorded its rightful place in the war effort In this respect, however., it must be remarked —in all fairness—that it was the national associations and not the S.J.0 which bore the brunt of the struggle. The same applies to the railway companies' "Square Deal" campaign. There is no evidence that the S.J.C. took the initiative or gave a lead to the industry.
Mention is made in the report of a significant item which, perhaps, was not common knowledge and, therefore, not generally appreciated. I refer to the question of finance. I imagine it was not generally understood that the expenses of the S.J.C. were—in the main—borne by the London Association and were not shared equally by the constituent bodies. This, surely, is definitely unsound, as any such arrangement, naturally, must be conducive to feelings of proprietorship and patronage. It is to be hoped that the new proposals will provide a scheme in which the burden will be shared equally.
The sub-committee is to be congratulated on its report, which covers a wide field of subjects constructive and important in character and demanding urgent attention. These include matters relating to amalgamation, the future effectiveness of the S.J.C. methods of conducting business efficiently and quickly, area machinery and Press conferences. All these items are bound up with post-war organization which, after the war effort, is the most important problem to be faced. The sub-committee put its fingers on the spot when it stated frankly that the S.J.C. needs greater vitality, the lack of which in the past has produced much criticism. Not having seen the appendices, I cannot say what the proposals are—if any —regarding the procedure to be.adopted in respect of the election of the main committee. Also whether the present system of representatives being appointed from the constitutent bodies via the national councils will be continued or whether—under the new proposals—the areas will have the right to appoint representatives. [There will be 38 association and 12 area representatives, and not more than 20 additional members. The executive committee will be restricted to 24. The Area Standing Jon-it Committee will comprise 4 to 13.—En.]
infuse Constitution with New Blood • Does the proposed modification of the constitution provide for the election annually of a new chairman? In other words, is the chair to be held for one year only by any individual? These matters must be regarded as important, as they arethe only means wherhy new blood can be introduced.
A further point of interest is the suggestion that a
al central secretariat should be established to provide a service more comprehensive in character than anything so far envisaged. This would appear to have real constructive value and should be of benefit to the industry; for therein lid‘ an undoubted source of usefulness and practicability. The sub-committee acknowledges that accredited representatives have not the time to deal with their own business affairs and, in addition, the increasing problems of the industry; it further recognizes that the pre-war methods employed in conducting affairs are not adequate to the needs of to-day. They must be revised to meet modern conditions. Here is displayed commendable evidence of the vision of the sub-committee, 4. It is not necessary to enumerate or emphasize the problems awaiting solution for the post-war period. They are perfectly apparent and are ever present in the minds of operators. In this connection, the views expressed by Mr. P. J. Noel-Baker, M.P. (Parliamentary Secretary to the M. of W.T.), are significant. He remarked that the post-war period for road transport would be a creative epoch of lasting importance.
If the industry accepts the new policy of the S.J.C. there should be no delay in putting the scheme into operation. So will it be understood that the newly constituted body means business. The committee should indeed be afforded an opportunity of service and have a powerful influence unparalleled in the history of the industry. If anmmia be replaced by 'virility and there be manifested a determination to fight against all odds or opposition—from any quarter whatsoever—which might be prejudicial to operators, then success will be assured. The industry cannot perish but by the industry.