Nationalization Will be Gradual
Page 49
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
SQPEAK1NG at a dinner organized by Birmingham sub-area of the Road Haulage Association, last week, MajorGeneral G. N. Russell, chairman of the Road Transport Executive of the British Transport Commission, Said that the Executive would regionalize control and give regional representatives "their head to run the show."
Emphasizing that the change-over would be gradual, General Russell went on to say: "I appeal to hauliers to bear with the Road Transport Executive for the time being. Let us go along quietly and gently, for it is absolutely essential this change-over should be made without upsetting the trade of this country."
He strongly denied that the Commis sion had issued instructions that rates should be cut by any Concern which came under its control.
Mr. R. Stuart Filcher, West Midland Licensing Authority, mentioned the need for hostels where long-distance lorry drivers could enjoy good canteen and sleeping facilities. He pointed out that many bus operatives had elaborate messrooms, and he thought that haulage workers should have the same priviliges,
Mr. R W. Sewill, director of the R.H.A., quoted, figures to show that membership had grown since the beginning of the year. The Association would continue to be a powerful influence in road transport, he said, and represented between 70,000 and /10,000
vehicles. He added that if private enterprise were to survive, it must see that its house was in order.
As reported in "The Commercial Motor", last week, General Russell travelled to Birmingham in a Scammell 14-ton eight-wheeler run by C.D. and T. (Contracts) Ltd. During the journey the driver and General Russell stopped at a roadhouse and bought a meal, costing is. 9d. each. He said that he made the trip to find out for himself what conditions were like on the road.
On the day after the dinner was held, he visited the Wolverhampton works of Guy Motors, Ltd., and studied the construction of goods vehicles, motorbuses and trolleybuses