Mr Fowler goes on holiday
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WHEN HE was Home Affairs Correspondent of The Times, Norman Fowler must have dreaded this time of year — the "Silly season".
So no story is too trivial for the ordinary journalist, while the frustrated political writer is tempted to go out on a limb and prophesy.
But it is a sure bet that Mr Fowler's intention was not to provide some hard news when he produced two documents of vital importance to all road users, with barely more than a weekend between them.
First he told of his plans to restructure Vehicle Excise Duty for heavy goods vehicles; four days later it was changes in bus licensing and car sharing.
The motive behind his announcements was, almost certainly, "open government".
The first document was just released to the Press. The second was discussed and analysed at a conference.
A pretty good conference it was, too. He gave straight answers to straight questions — without referring to the experts at his elbow.
But it was not just his mastery of the subject that won him plaudits. The Minister's human side got him top marks as well.
Mr Fowler has certainly made his mark in Marsham Street. The corridors have been buzzing as Civil Servants and non-Governmental experts made their way to the Minister's room.
They have, for instance, to draw up plans for selling shares in the National Freight Corporation, while the Transport Bill, promised for the autumn, will not be produced in two minutes.
However, Mr Fowler does plan a break. The entry for his diary during the last two weeks of this month reads — holiday in France.
What's the betting he'll cast An eye on lorries while he's over there?