The vital role of transport in the current crisis

20th September 1974, Page 73

20th September 1974

Page 73

Page 73, 20th September 1974 — The vital role of transport in the current crisis

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Transport management's important part to play in putting Britain back on course ... by Sir Dan Pettit, at CM's Fleet Management Conference

WHEN Sir Daniel Pettit, Chairman of the National Freight Corporation, opened CM's Fleet Management Conference, in London on Tuesday, he called on the 400 delegates to meet the new challenge which raging inflation and Arab oil policies had added to their role of transport management. Sir Daniel, who was chairman of the conference, told the delegates that although the problems which faced them were similar to last year's, they had intensified during the past 12 months through the exertion of outside influences.

He felt that the pressures, which had been intensified by the world's economic situation, would ultimately resolve themselves in a crisis of confidence in management, resulting in a challenge to all managers and one which transport managers in particular should be ready to meet.

"There is a vital role for us if the situation is to be contained," said Sir Daniel. "On every side the storm gathers. In physical terms, we have a crisis of energy, of supply and procurement, of capital."

Sir Daniel said that all of these factors apart, the persistence of our limp and unresponsive economy lacking in confidence and vision had created confusion in transport planning and had undermined commercial will.

"In transport, we have an important part to play in getting the country back on course. I hope your resolution to be involved in it will come over loud and clear today."

The discussion which followed the papers will be reported in full in CM next week.