R.H.A. Leaders Disagree Over Denationalization
Page 34
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
A TOP-LEVEt dispute over policy on denationalization is in progress 1-1 in the Road Haulage Association. One side believes that the disposal of the assets of British Road Services should be pursued to the full within the terms of the Transport Act, 1953.
The opponents of this policy hold that the possibility that many of the larger units will not be sold must be faced now and that some compromise, which would take transport out of politics, must be reached with the supporters of State enterprise.
One of the leading figures in the Association is uncompromising in believing that an approach must be made at once to the Government and the British Transport Commission to increase the number of vehicles which B.R.S. are entitled to retain. He thinks that the Association now hold the initiative and that unless they make the offer immediately they will be outmanceuvred.
He is supported in principle by another senior officer, who, however, argues that the time is not ripe for the overtures suggested.
One of the principal opponents of appeasement is Mr. Bernard Winterbottom, who has just resigned his
national offices 1n the Association. I understand that the main reason is his disagreement with those who favour compromise, although he is not in the best of health and he would find a rest welcome.
Gradual Split When his term of office as national chairman of the R.H.A. expired last May, he was asked to continue as a member of the chairman's ad hoc committee who negotiate with the Government on denationalization. It appears that the rift which has now occurred in the ranks of the committee has been threatened for some months.
Mr. Winterbottom has resigned also from the national council and the finance committee.
Mr. C. W, H. Sparrow, one of the four national vice-chairmen, is also opposed to appeasement, but, becauseof ill health, he is not offering himself for re-election this year. With the departure of two influential and eloquent supporters of the Association's present policy of complete denationalization within the terms of the 1953 Act, there may be a swing of opinion in the R.H.A. towards reconciliation with B.R.S. and the Labour Party.
MR. WALKER RE-ELECTED
HAVING recently resigned from the committee of the Northern Area of the Road Haulage Association because of a disagreement over policy, Mr. H. L. Walker was re-elected as a delegate by the Tees-side Sub-area fast week. Mr. R. Durham was elected sub-area chairman, Mr. J. R. McDonald and Mr. D. Tarren vice-chairmen, and Mr. A. Freeman honorary secretary.