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Time For Guidance

1st August 1952, Page 24
1st August 1952
Page 24
Page 24, 1st August 1952 — Time For Guidance
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ADEMOCRATIC organization such as the Road Haulage Association must be guided in its decisions on important matters of principle by the wishes of the majority of its members. Its leaders, as men of wider vision and experience than most hauliers, have, however, the responsibility of advising the rank and file of the industry on the line of action that seems most likely to yield the greatest good for the greatest number. The Association's silence on the WhitePaper and the Transport Bill is, therefore, incomprehensible. The only observation that has been made on the Government's proposals was contained in a speech by the past chairman at the R.H.A.'s annual luncheon in May. Even he merely welcomed the White Paper and said that there would be many important details on which the Association might differ from the Government. Several meetings have taken place with the Minister of Transport and his permanent officials, but no indication has been given of the subject of the representations. It is to be hoped that the Association's silence does not imply failure in its negotiations. Meanwhile, it would be reasonable for the R.H.A. to make, for the information of the rank and file of the haulage industry, an impartial appreciation of the situation arising from the Government's proposals. Such a statement could hardly prejudice relations with the Minister, but would help the industry to arrive at a judgment. "The Commercial Motor," through a panel of independent authorities, is examining various aspects of the Bill and it is both inevitable and proper that its weaknesses should receive more attention than its virtues. The Government's desire to right the wrongs of the past and to set inland transport on a surer foundation is accepted, but critical review of individual provisions of the Bill may create in the Minister's mind a false impression of wholesale hostility towards all his proposals. A statement by the R.H.A. of its general attitude towards the Bill might help to maintain denationalization in proper perspective and clarify hauliers' thoughts on the means proposed to achieve it. At the moment there is a keen conflict of opinion.


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