CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISCUSSES AlICENCE RENEWALS.
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The railway companies' attitude in opposing the renewal of licences for long-distance road-transport operators was discussed at a special meeting of the road-traffic section of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. Mr. L. W. Gupwell, who presided, said that the attitude of the railway companies at recent inquiries was opposed to the intention of the Government in drafting the Road and. Rail Traffic Act, 1933. The railways, he said, appeared to demand monopoly, and, apparently, in consequence, -traders were to be deprived of one of the most essential factors in commerce—competition.
A resolution was passed by the meeting to the effectthat alarm has been caused by the marked opposition of the railway companies to the renewal of A licences, and the submissions that railway facilities on trunk routes arc adequate for the requirements of trade and that read --competition is, therefore, wastef dl.
The -meeting emphatically affirmed that, in a period of increasing trade, any reduction of existing facilities and services is impolitic and against the interests of all transport users. • The resolution is to be discussed at the. next meeting of the council of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and copies have been sent to the Minister of Transport, West Midland Members of Parliament, and other bodies.
A Call for Better Roads.
At the annual Exide luncheon, held by the Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd., at the Clarendon Restaurant on the opening day of the Motor Show, Mr. D. P. Dunne, who was in the chair, referred to the increasing and discriminating legislation directed against one particular class of the community.— the motor user. He believed that a reduction in road fatalities and accidents would not be brought about by harassing impediments. The solution lies to a great extent in the building of safer reads, which, in addition, would alleviate the unemployment problem and render our -highways -suitable for the transport of troops and war material:'
He suggested handing the proceeds of motor taxation to the motor industry and making the latter responsible for rhe roads.
More Northern Ireland Acquisitions.
Notices have been served upon 121 goods-vehicle operators by the Northern Ireland Road Transport Board advising them that their undertakings will be acquired by the Board as from midnight on November 17.