R.H.A. to Use All Means
Page 44
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
to Fight Renationalization
FROM A. E. SHERLOCK-MESHER
ROTHESAY, Tuesday. A RESOLUTION urging leaders of the Road Haulage Association to I—k "use every constitutional means" to fight the Socialist threat to renationalize long-distance road haulage, was passed with acclamation by delegates at the Association's annual conference, which opened here today,
It was presented by Mr. R. G. Crowther, national chairman, who described the Labour Party's proposal as petty spite or mere political window-dressing."
The resolution commits the Association to a full-scale political offensive but does not bind the leaders in the matter of timing. They will wait to cee how the Labour Party's plans are shaped. The prime object at the moment is to show the Socialists that hauliers are well aware of the threat and are ready to meet it.
Mr. Crowther emphasized that the Socialists had not attempted to define long-distance haulage, and had given no reasons of substance' for thcir proposal.
"The main reason for this policy seems to be an attempt to rescue the railways from ruin, but to suggest that the renationalization of £50m. worth of assets will rescue from bankruptcy an undertaking with a capital value of nearly £2,000m. is utter nonsense."
Over lm. vehicles were operated by C-licensees, but fewer than 160.000 by hauliers. Perhaps 10-15 per cent, of hauliers' vehicles were engaged in longdistance work, so that the suggestion that it should be renationalized savoured of petty spite or mere political windowdressing. Socialist proposals on State ownership had been left extremely vague so as not to alarm the electorate.
Socialists Will Lose Votes " If the best plan of the left-wing Socialists for the next election is renationalization, it is more likely to lose votes for the Socialist Party than to gain them," he said.
Under the Conservatives modified scheme of denationalization, British Road Services had increased their efficiency and the railways had been encouraged to modernize. These improvements justified leaving the industry to get on with the job free from political interference.
This was recognized both by the British Transport Commission and the R.H.A., who. whenever possible, were working together. An extension of liaison was expected to result from a review of the existing machinery now being undertaken. Relations with the trade unions were excellent. and Mr. Crowther could not believe that workers generally would gain anything. Previous experience should be a warning against the stricter regimentation and supervision of employees of a State undertaking.
[The conference is reported on pages 346-349.,