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Concentration Policy for Road Transport?

23rd October 1942
Page 32
Page 32, 23rd October 1942 — Concentration Policy for Road Transport?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The Present Tendency Lies in the Direction of Reducing the By Number of Haulage Operating Units "Tantalus" WHAT is to be the future of the road-transport industry. IV/ so far as the haulage contractor is concerned? This question has been asked frequently, and as many guesses have been made as to the answer, but they are merely guesses, for a definite or decisive answet,is notyet available.

It can be assumed, however, with some degree of safety, that there will be a " new order " for the industry and that this will be widely different from that of the pre-war era. The old order is passing and, maybe, the change will be completed before the end of the war, while the operators remain mere onlookers. Are there any indications of the course of. developments which the new order may. follow? Close observers will answer in the affirmative. It is necessary only to review the short history of transport during the progress of the war to be in agreement with this view. Comparison between the total number of operators active to-day and that of the pre-war figure doubtless would prove very illuminating. Whatever the difference may be, obviously it .must reveal a considerable decrease, and this is likely to be still further enhanced as the war progresses. Surely, then, the signs of the times point to a reduction in the number of vehicles plying for hire or reward. Assuming this view to be correct, what is the target figure?

There are strong indications that the policy of the Government is to place the railways in a paramount position, thus constituting them the main form of national transport as opposed to other forms, which will serve as ancillaries or feeders to rail. If this be so, then the restrictions placed upon road transport during war time are more easily understood. Should this forecast prolie correct what—when the day of peace dawns-Lwill be the position of vehicle owners operating under A licences who—through no fault of their own—have been forced out of business?A similar state of affairs exists in respect of those members of the industry who are serving with His Majesty's Forces. These matters may assume an aspect of major importance at some future date.

Readers may have noted recently some reference in the Press to a report which is being studied by the Minister of Planning; Sir William Jowitt, and which deals with questions concerning the return of individuals to civilian occupations after the war. The seggestion made is that the machinery at present employed for allocating men and women to the Forces or industry via the Man Power Boards shall be retained and used in the reverse manner. If some such scheme be put into operation, it may be that operators who have gone out of business "temporarily " will be dealt with on 'the lines indicated and, therefore, be permitted to re-enter the industry only as and when the need arises.

From time to *me statements have been made by members of the Government regarding the continued control of industries and materials after the war. It is fairly obvious that labour will be affected in a similar manner. In such event it is greatly to be hoped that the section of operators referred to will be afforded an opportunity of establishing their claims for the restoration of operational rights.

The recent statement of the Minister of Production regarding the concentration and transfer of industries and labour—where and when necessary—is interesting and significant. The object, of course, is the elimination of all waste in milknes and man-power in relation to production. It mIrbe that the Minister of War Transport is carrying out a similar policy in relation to the roadtransport industry; with the difference that on the one hand there has been a frank statement of intention and policy, whilst, so far as transport is concerned, no such statement has been forthcoming.

Heads. of Government Departments generally, from time to time, have told the Nation and the industries particularly concerned, the specific requirements and policy to be adopted. This applies to Tanks, aircraft, munitions, food, etc. .Why, then, cannot the M. of W.T, be equally frank with the road-transport industry? It is still not too late to repair this omission.

Summarizing the possible future of the industry, it Would. seem that there is a strong tendency towards a policy of concentration which must result inevitably in fewer operating units, so far as the professional haulier is concerned. Whether the C licensee will be similarly affected remains to be seen. It is certain that no reorganization of the industry can be satisfactory or complete should this section be excluded.

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