Speak out boldly
Page 2
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THE Road Haulage Association Tipping Group surely lost a great opportunity to promote the interests of its members last weekend. Tipcon, now a well-established conference and exhibition, was in our view a ready-made platform to influence political opinion. No serious attempt was made.
The quality of oratory of Sir Monty Finniston and Edward Heath is unquestionable. However, we doubt the relevance of their contribution to the tipper conference. Indeed, in the world of tipper operation, both could be considered as yesterday's men.
Was this not the opportunity for this hard-pressed sector of the industry to convey to Government the need for investment in road building and maintenance? Speakers from appropriate Government departments could not have ignored what would undoubtedly have been voluble arguments on a topical subject.
In contrast to the tipper men's lack of initiative, the National Association of Warehouse Keepers recruited the support of Eldon Griffiths, Marcus Fox, and members of the Upper House in an attempt to reduce their rates burden. This support was expressed in a ten minute after-luncheon speech by the chairman.
If the industry is to make its case for expansion, it must take every opportunity to influence Parliament and public. Tipcon was the ideal place, but the opportunity was lost.