Has Ministry Haulage By Scheme Misfired? "Tantalus"
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Why Is There a Lag in the Supply of Vehicles For the Chartered Fleet and Defence Lines? Some Suggestions As to How the Position May be Improved
WHAT is happening to the Ministry of War Transport's Road Haulage Scheme? What progress is.being made and how long will it be before the commencement of operations? These questions are prompted by the recent appeal made by the Minister to operators, in which he urged them not to delay in giving their support, but to register their vehicles immediately.
Had the essential support been forthcoming an appeal —made weeks after the launching of the scheme— obviously would not have been necessary. Therefore it must be concluded that the anticipated support has not materialized, and for this there must be some definite reason. There is actually evidence that in same parts of the country operators appear lukewarm and indifferent. They are, in fact, reluctant to become participants or partners in the scheme. Doubtless this attitude is occasioned by reasons which—in their opinion—are sound. The individuals, then, should not be regarded as unpatriotic or in the category of shirkers. If one deterrent is that the rates offered are deemed unsatisfactory, something, surely, should be done about this? Either the proposed rates are economically sound or they are not. No one would support a schedule of rates which supported profiteering or taking unfair advantage of prevailing conditions. On theother hand, operators are entitled to a square deal. They have every right to know what is expected of them, as also the exact nature of their duties under the scheme. Speeches and statements have been propounded in general terms, but these are sadly lacking in detail;
For example, what will be the position of an operator who, having placed vehicles in the scheme (and which same vehicles, perhaps, may lie idle), wishes to recall them for work of an essential nature? Will he be permitted to do this or must the vehicles remain permanently at the disposal of the Minister? What will be the effect where adequately organized services are extended over towns and areas at present eng,aged in work of national importance? In the event of increased transport demands—a state of affairs by no means unlikely—how will these be met in instances where operators already have signed away a portion of their fleet?
Hauliers' Suspicions of the Ministry to be Overcome
These 'considerations constitute some of the root causes of hesitation and, even, suspicion. Memories may be short or long; with haulage contractors generally they are the latter, so far as affairs connected with the Ministry are concerned.. The hauliers have not forgotten the woefully short-sighted policy promulgated in the early stages of the war, when road transport was_ so severely restricted by petrol rationing.. Immediately following upon Munich, expansion should have been encouraged, together with schemes for future plans to deal with all eventualities. It was perfectly. obvious that the railways alone could never ,hope to deal with the Nation's war-time traffics. The consistent
policy of the Government since 1933 to control road transport by limitation and restriction always will remain a grievance.
I cannot help feeling that the cumulative effect of such exfierience is responsible for the reluctance evidenced by operators to respond to the various appeals. in the present instance they are keen to look before they leap, which, after all, is merely a form of sagacity. It is not that they do not want to do their bit, nor that they are disloyal in any respect.
The Ministry does, or does not, require the 2,500 • vehicles; there can be no half -measures about it. Obviously it does. The official announcentents and appeals—together with the numerous meetings held throughout the country to popularize the scheme—are sufficient evidence of the need. Therefore, is it not imperative that a candid and detailed explanation of the exact requirements and duties expected of operators be furnished without delay? This should • be done not through the medium of mass meetings—which at the best can achieve partial effectiveness only—but, rather, by means of an official publication, which should be available for every operator to peruse for himself. These pamphlets could be circulated through the branch post Offices or Labour Exchanges, or both. I made this suggestion formerly and offer no apology for repetition at this juncture, as I consider that .the need for some such publication is essential.
Operators Must Not be Left to Guess at Troubles
Reflecting upon the scheme since its inception, there would seem to exist an inipression that the organization has been patchy and piecemeal in character. Operators have indulged in guesswork because the details announced so far have been of too vague .:a nature. I assert that, were they taken into full confidence, with complete frankness, ample support for the scheme would no longer be in doubt, provided, of course, there be a satisfactory schedule of rates and guaranteed prompt payment of accounts. If, and when,. these matters be accomplished and the number of vehicles offered be still insufficient' to meet the requirements, then the powers of requisitioning could be brought into force.
The scheme was launched in an atmosphere of goodwill—with indications of a constructive poliCy—although much delayed. It was accorded a good reception because the general understanding was that control would be in the hands of the industry. Since that time enthusiasm has waned somewhat. This may be due to the fact •that the hand of officialdom has, perhaps, sought to tighten its grip. Conversely, no such intention may have existed.
Repeatedly has the scheme been referred to as a partnership—not, of course, a sleeping partnership. To further such association to the best mutual advantage there must be manifested by all parties thereto a generous measure of goodwill, complete confidence and full co-operation in the truest sense. So' only can the best and highest results be achieved.