R.H.A. WARNS THE PUBLIC
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" IN view of reference, in the IKing's Speech, to the intentions of the Government in respect of the future of inland transport, we feel it our duty solemnly to warn the public that, in our considered opinion, and in that of the trading community as a whole, any nationalization of road transport would result in a less efficient and more costly service," states the Road Haulage Association, 146, New Bond Street, W.1.
"This would be reflected in increases in the cost of living; in higher prices of food, clothing and housing; in the withdrawal of facilities that in the past have been of great convenience to the public.
"Road hauliers will continue to demand that a public inquiry shall precede any revolutionary change in the conduct or ownership of road transport. The public would thus be given a fair opportunity of judging between the proposals of the Government and those put forward by road and rail transport, overwhelmingly supported by the
trading community, as represented by such bodies as the Federation of British Industries, the National Union of Manufacturers, the National Farmers' Union, the British Road Federation, the Association of British Chambers of Commerce and the Traders Road Transport Association.
"We must also point out that any scheme of nationalization, however limited in the first instance, must inevitably be extended, not only to cover all road hauliers, but also to deprive manufacturers and traders of the right to choose their own form of transport or freely to operate their own vehicles for the carriage of their own goods.
"The withdrawal of these rights would obviously have so serious and widespread an effect on the whole framework of trade and industry as to call for a very thorough and public investigation before committing the country to radical changes in commercial practice that might well prove to be catastrophic."