Labour Pledged to Renationalization
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rA.A PROMISE that Labour will take back into public ownership such road haulage units as are needed to provide a co-ordinated transport system on such terms as will prevent private owners from profiting at the expense of the nation, was contained in " Challenge to Britain," the Labour Party's policy statement issued on Wednesday.
" Five years of public ownership proved the value to the nation of a co-ordinated transport system," the statement said, " Fuller use was made of our rail and road services than before, and waste and unnecessary duplication were being cut out."
Renewed progress was essential, the
statement continued. The transport system had to carry a far heavier load of goods in post-war than in pre-war years, and it would have to carry more still as the plan for increased production unfolded. This could be done only by increased capital development in transport.
"A start will have to be made with the Libour Government's national road plan. Railway rolling stock must be brought up to date, permanent way and railway stations improved, and schemes of electrification extended," added the statement.
But investment resources are scarce; we cannot afford a transport network, part of which is not fully utilized. Now important parts of the system set up by the Labour Government are being dismantled. The Conservative Government is destroying the valuable organization of the British Road Services, to whose efficiency traders th:oughout the land have paid tribute, This is a policy the nation cannot afford."
Labour would also restore the British Transport Commission's powers to reorganize road passenger services in selected areas.
COACHES-1-KEEP OUT OF CENTRAL LONDON COACH operators are again advised by the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis to set down at one of the special parking places outside the central area passengers brought to London to see the Coronation decorations.
On Wednesday, yesterday and today, the restrictions on the use of certain roads by coaches, which were in force during Coronation ueek, have been reimposed. The Commissioner of Police will consider litter whether the restriction is to be continued next week or in the weeks following.
The Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association have protested against this act ion.
R.T.C. REPORT TODAY
THE British Transport Commission's annual report and accounts for 1952 are published today—about a month earlier than usuil.