Chaos in Issue of Basic Ration .
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
MANY London operators—including large national organizations—
were still without their basic ration coupons at noon last Friday. Others who had just received them were having to dispatch them by air to their Scotish depots to be available in time.
These were the facts revealed at a special meeting of the London and Home Counties Division of the Traders Road Transport Association last Friday.
In making a statement on fuel rationing, Mr. S. J. Lamborn, chairman of the Division, laid stress on the serious situation that confronted not only operators, but trade and industry, by the imposition of an ill-prepared rationing 'scheme.
Some of those who had received their basic coupons had been told that there would be no supplementary allocation for their particular trade. Mr. Lamborn wondered "whether the Government realize the full significance of what this means and under what sort of justice some firms are to be brought to a standstill." Many operators had told him their basic ration would not suffice for two days per week.
Traders were prepared to assist the Government in fuel economy, but to introduce rationing on the present basis would create " the worst economic crisis that this country had been called upon to face."
As 'further examples of the uncertainty created by a hastily prepared scheme, it was stated that different answers to operators' queries were being given by the authorities in different areas. Moreover, it was only four days before rationing. was due to commence that the statutory instrument was issued, confirming the value of a coupon unit as equalling one gallon of petrol or two-thirds of a gallon of derv.
FOOD-SUPPLY BREAKDOWN FORECAST
FOOD supplies may break down in the New Year unless. the Ministry of Food could assure wholesalers of sufficient fuel, a spokesman of the National Federation of Wholesale Grocers said last week. He was addressing an emergency meeting of London and provincial wholesalers.
The Ministry had been asked to take prompt action, but delay was likely to cost the natibn dearly in perishable foods which must reach shops fresh.
HIPPOS FOR U.S.A.F. EYLAND Hippo tractors are being supplied to the U.S. Air Force for use at various bases throughout this country at a cost of 5620,000. The vehicles will form prime movers for aircraft refuellers and for Americdn semi-trailer vans• and boxvans. A Dyson fifth wheel and drawbar is fitted to each chassis; 11.1-litre oil engines are fitted.
The first order calls for 24 Hippos, and an order for a further 53 has been placed.