SUMMIT ON LICENSING!
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RHA invites industry and unions to discuss opposition through joint campaign
BY JOHN FRIEDMAN
THE ROAD HAULAGE ASSOCIATION has called a summit meeting of the Big 17 to discuss opposition to Mrs. Castle's
forget-your-ABC licensing proposals. Aim is to form a united front to persuade the Minister or Parliament to drop the whole scheme—or modify it substantially.
And—significantly--the RHA wants the unions to be in on the act of protest.
For invitations have gone to the TGWU, the United Road Transport Union and the SCMU. Date of the meeting: September 7. Venue: London.
The RHA acted on August 11. Out went this letter signed by director-general Mr. G. K. Newman:— "Many aspects of the Minister's proposed system of carriers' licensing seem to the RHA likely to damage the country's economy as well as the interests of the users and providers of goods transport by road.
"It is to be feared that some of the main effects of the system will be the almost arbitrary transfer of traffic to rail, the disruption of road haulage to an extent which may reduce the efficiency of its services to trade and industry and the denial of freedom of choice of transport services.
"It seems unlikely that the various
HAULAGE FIRM ADAMANT ON MOVE
NOTHING Danrel Town Council might do will induce 32-vehicle haulage firm Andrew Smith Ltd. to remain in the Ayrshire town. This was made clear at a special council meeting held to discuss the firm's decision to move to Kilmarnock at the New Year.
The town clerk said: "The managing director of the Tayforth Group (Scotland) Ltd. assured the council that the proposed move was dictated by economic considerations, and had been shown to be necessary by an analysis of traffic originating from various locations in the county".
interests adversely affected will be able, through independent action, to persuade the Minister or Parliament to abandon or substantially modify the scheme, and in these circumstances it is essential that they should consider jointly the desirability and feasibility of a campaign designed to persuade the Government, as well as public and Parliamentary opinion, that in their present form the Minister's proposals are contrary to the public interest."
Invited to send two representatives each:— • Association of British Chambers of Commerce.
• British Road Federation.
• British Transport Vehicle Manufacturers Association.
• Confederation of British Industry.
• Industrial Transport Association.
• National Association of Furniture Warehousemen and Removers.
• National Chamber of Trade.
• National Conference of Road Transport Clearing Houses.
• National Traders' Traffic Association.
• Scottish Commercial Motormen's Union.
• Scottish Motor Trade Association.
• Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
• Traders Co-ordinating Committee on Transport.
• Traders Road Transport Association. • Transport and General Workers' Union.
• United Road Transport Union.
Reaction
Initial reaction to the invitation was mixed.
An SCMU spokesman told me: "We will not be represented. Our standpoint differs too much."
A TGWU spokesman said: "We've not had enough time to consider the invitation."
The United Road Transport Workers Association is also still thinking about it.
Said Mr. D. Gent SMMT secretary: "We are as concerned as the RHA on the implications of the proposals."
Many of the other bodies echoed his words.
The BRF and the NAFWR are certain to be represented.
The National Chamber of Trade said: "We expect to be present."
Sole professional body to be invited, the ITA is discussing the invitation and expects to make an early decision. It is not expected to be favourable.
In COMMERCIAL MOTOR on July 28 we reported these words of ITA national chairman Mr. W. G. Widnall on the licensing proposals: "This refreshing and up-to-date attitude of the Minister should be welcomed by all thinking members of the profession."
The RHA's inspired move will quash growing doubts that its action so far in fighting the proposals has been irresolute.
TAKEOVER TALK DENIED
ST. MARY'S TRANSPORT, of St. Mary's Road, Market Harborough, Leics., and Lubenham, near Market Harborough, is reorganizing its road haulage activities and cutting down certain operations, involving a reduction in the number of employees. But local rumours of a takeover are strongly denied.