New C. and U. Regulations Delayed Too Long

18th March 1955, Page 81

18th March 1955

Page 81

Page 81, 18th March 1955 — New C. and U. Regulations Delayed Too Long

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THE eight-month delay by the Government in producing new consolidated Construction and Use Regulations was severely criticized by Mr. James Barrie, national chairman of the Road Haulage Association, on Tuesday. He was speaking at the annual dinner of the Association's Yorkshire (Sheffield) Area.

He said that the "unconscionable time" taken by the Government had "created a chaotic condition for manufacturers, whose blueprints were adjusted to conform to the amended regulations, and it has delayed the delivery of improved vehicles to road haulage firms."

He hoped that the Minister of Transport would issue the new regulations at once.

Referring to a deputation to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury which he led on January 1, Mr. Barrie said that the Financial Secretary appeared to be well impressed by the case submitted for a reduction in the fuel tax.

When the Conservative Government placed an extra 70. tax on petroleum it was contended that this action was necessary to relieve the Government's balance of payments. The financial

position of the country had improved so much since 1952 that there was now no justification for securing an additional £40m. to £50m. a year from fuel tax, he said.

On the subject of disposal, Mr. Barrie said that the British Transport Commission's main objective was to preserve as much of their undertaking as they could. This had meant that the R.H.A. had had to be specially vigilant and make constant representations to the Minister of Transport, the Road Haulage Disposal Board, the Commission and back-bench Conservatives in the House of Commons. [The Association met Conservative back-benchers last month.) For some time new members had been joining the R.H.A. at the rate of 30-40 a month. If That progress continued, all hauliers of any consequence would soon be members.

"We are anxious." said Mr. Barrie, "that the membership of this Association should consist of men with a responsible outlook who are prepared to take care of their vehicles and drivers, so as to ensure the best service to trade and industry and the best safety record for vehicles on the roads of this country."