Four questions
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It appears that Mr Harvey's letter (CM June 27) that we are not short of budding Don Ryders—whether they may all obtain the same reward is probably not a distinct possibility, however.
What Other form of accountancy, other than "pure," and/ or e" direct " should be used ? The ailternative that springs to mind is the opposite—"impure and indirect" If any business concern is needed, it will survive upon its own merits entirely, and at no time need subsidising, or bolstering up.
The following questions Should be answered : (1) How, what and where would the increased traffic be put on rail? Most railheads are in already congested, urban areas.
(2) Where are the free parks ? The only lists I have are those which charge too much, and, in some cases have gone out of business because of those charges.
(3) What •about access roads to factory eetates ? Mr Harvey may well find that extremely high and savage rates are levied thereon. (4) How is the commercial vehicle operator subsidised by ether road users, such as the private motorist, when on average anything between £800 and £1,000 per year is being paid per vehicle for road fund tax, let alone other taxation? Furthermore, there is a prime example of subsidy in remembering that service buses pay £25 per year road tax and also receive a refund of tax on diesel fuel—something again, which always appeaes to escape the so-called vigilance of the theorists.
(5) What is true taxation? I have long been of the opinion that the taxation in this country could not possibly be called true, nor even fair. However, speaking for myself, I will accept such a thing, if it can be accurately defined, and applied to everyone, and -not just to those whose face appears not to fit.
The DoE figures mean nothing, as usual, if only because they have details only of those who are caught. Mr Harvey cannot expect the road haulage industry to meekly accept all the criticism, without hitting back. W. A. G. SAYERS, Newbury, Berks.