T.A.T. Increases Compensation
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THE Transport Arbitration Tribunal has awarded £30,718 compensation to Mr. E. E. Burton, 29 Lynn Road, Wisbech, whose road haulage business was nationalized in July, 1949. He had appealed against the Road Haulage Executive's offer of £23,057.
Giving judgment in London on Tuesday, the president, Mr. C. Montgomery White, Q.C., said that he and his colleagues regarded Mr. Burton, who had given evidence, as a "witness of truth who had a thorough knowledge of the road haulage business. He has built up a business from small beginnings and its success was in great measure due to his personality and ability.
"His readiness to devise methods to suit the requirements of particular customers, his skill in arranging economical itineraries for his drivers, his careful planning of return loads, his attention to detail and personal service combine to make this undertaking a thoroughly efficient one for its size."
Dealing with the Executive's suggestion that the personal merits of efficiency of Mr. Burton were factors which should tell against, rather than in favour of high compensation, the president declared: "We decline to accede to an argument that would penalize efficiency, Mr. Burton was, at the date a24 of the transfer, a hale and hearty man in his early forties who, apart from nationalization, had every intention and prospect of carrying on the business that he had founded, for many years to come."
Commenting on the fact that the business was under a disadvantage because it was largely dependent on a few Large customers, the president said: "It is said that Mr. Burton had most of his eggs in one basket, but he knew what the customers wanted and was able to satisfy them."
He said that the Tribunal considered that a fair multiplier to apply in the case would be four, making the compensation for cessation of business, £19,112, compensation for goods vehicles £8,469 (as agreed), for other property £2,750, with an agreed net addition, under Section 47 (6) of the Transport Act, of £387. Mr. Burton would also be awarded costs.
'A CHANCE TO SPEAK AN open meeting of members of the Metropolitan and South Eastern Area of the Road Haulage Associations is to be called by Mr. Herbert H. Crow, area chairman. Hauliers will be able to express their views on the Transport Bill and ask questions.