WHEELS of INDUSTRY
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"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport, at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the
roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.;
THE PROPOSED C.M.UA.-R.H.A.
MERGER.
Although considerable advances have been made towards an amalgamation of C.M.U.A. and R.H.A. interests the matter is not yet definitely settled, despite statements which have been made to the contrary at meetings outside London. We understand, however, that the National Councils of the two Associations will meet next week to consider certaie docuthents.
Road Transport Wages.
We have received many inquiries as t'o whether the recommendations of the National Joint Conciliation Board apply to personnel on vehicles operating under Class C licences. The position is that the rates are those recommended for all transport workers in England and Wales, but they can be enforced only in the case of operators running Class A and B vehicles.
In the report of the sub-committee, and referring to the local boards set up to consider the conditions in the respective areas, it states :—" Associated with these local boards will, in all probability, be C licence holders, and we express the hope that the conditions .... will be incorporated in all agreements, so that those who are not actually attached to the conciliation hoards will observe the rates laid down as minimum rates."
Revenue from Roacl-vehicle Lkences.
The gross amount received in payment for road-vehicle licences, issued during the 12 months ended November 30, 1934, was £32,587,589, compared with £29,201,133 in the corresponding period of the previous year. The average receipt in respect of a whole-year licence was £28 13s. 6d. for internalcombustion-engined and steam-driven goods vehicles, £35 9s. for electric vans, and £52 8s. 8d. for hackneys.
The number of licences current at the end of November included 393,128 for lorries and 78,280 for hackneys.
Imports and Exports for December.
During December the :value of commercial vehicles, cars, chassis and accessories imported amounted to £209,298, as contrasted with £175,308 in December, 1933, and £239,647 in December, 1932. For the whole year the value of such imports totalled £3,458,808, as against £2,465,971 in 1933, and £3,077,982 in 1932.
The exports of commercial vehicles were again somewhat lower, the figure of 171 for December, 1934, contrasting with 226 a year earlier and 167 in December, 1932. There was a Slight increase in the value of the vehicles, the total of £51,644 for Deceinber, 1933, having been raised to £54,534 in Et20 December, 1934. In December, 1932, the figure at £30,793 was much lower. Tn the complete year 2,367 vehicles, having a value of £652,805, were exported, the comparable figures for 1933 being 2,287 and £557,422 respectively.
The exports of commercial chassis were appreciably higher than for the preceding two years. The figure for last month was 1,364 (£203,395), compared with 994 (£121,265) in December, 1933, and 881 (£100,834) in December, 1932. In the 12 months, 11,375 commercial chassis of a value of £1,671,591 were exported.
TAXATION RELIEF ON OILERS IN FRANCE.
We had occasion recently to refer to the very heavy tax levied in France on oil fuels, and its unfortunate effects upon the .compression-ignition engine industry in that country. After 12 months of effort, the National Automobile Federation, in conjunction with the Transport Federation, has succeeded in convincing the French " Government that a promising layer amongst tax-paying geese was by way of being strangled. The tax has just been reduced from 50 fr. per hectolitre to 25 fr.
An Exhaustive Accident Inquiry.
A searching and, comprehensive inquiry into the causes of fatal road accidents is now being made by the Minister of Transport, with the assistance of the chief officers of police throughout the country. The object is to obtain information which will enable an intensified campaign to be directed towards the removal of the causes of accidents.
Information is being sought on such questions as the conduct of drivers and cyclists at pedestrian crossings, and the age of vehicles involved in accidents. Where goods vehicles are concerned, details as to whether the presence of 'guard rails (if not fitted) would have mitigated the accidents will be required. The character, width and condition of roads where accidents occurred will also be stated.
It is proposed to publish important facts revealed by the reports.