ICI KEEPS 1lUIET ON RATES
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TMPERIAL Chemical Industries Ltd did
not send a witness to a public inquiry last week after a hearing earlier in the week had been adjourned so that the applicant could obtain his customer support., North Western LA, Mr. C. R. Hodgson, wondered whether the reason was because ICI did not want to talk about rates.
Mr. W. Jackson of Heald Green, near Cheadle, Ches., applied at Macclesfield for a short-term B Licence to carry roadstone for ICI, Mond Division, within 50 miles but could only produce a letter from that firm in support. When questioned by Mr. Hodgson at the renewed hearing, Mr. Jackson said ICI's transport manager told him that it was not its policy to send witnesses to public inquiries.
Mr. J. Bratt of Furness Vale, one of 12 objectors, chairman of Bulk Tippers (Cheshire) Ltd., a consortium of tipper operators based in Stockport carrying for various firms including Hartshead quarry,
said he understood ICI had recently entered into a business association with Hartshead quarry.
A panel had been set up to negotiate on rates and had produced an improved common schedule, said Mr. Bratt, and the consortium had endeavoured to get ICI also to agree to this schedule. Earlier ICI had approached the consortium for vehicles. The consortium had been unable to supply enough because the rate offered was too low.
On July 10 Mr. Bratt had written to ICI that his group would be willing to supply vehicles at an appropriate rate, but at the time of hearing had receivedno written reply. Two days later, said Mr. Bratt, Hartshead had asked for four or more vehicles at short notice. The consortium had sent six but only four were employed.
Refusing the application, Mr. Hodgson said: "There seems to be plenty of vehicles able and willing to do this work as long as the rates are reasonable".