Why Was the Licensing Report 'Leaked'?
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
BY THE HAWK WHO "leaked" the very important vv report of the R.1-LA. licensing study group (page 62)? More important, why'? There is much to be said for keeping members informed, through the Press, of these inquiries. However, the R.H.A. decided to play it close to the chest and all along has said nothing of the group's work.
The reasoning was that the subject was so vital that nothing could be said
publicly " until official policy was approved; premature publicity can, it is true, sometimes have the effect of tying hands. Someone, presumably a member of the R.H.A. national council (who all had confidential copies of the report), thought differently and gave his copy to a journal. The result is that every journal had to be given a copy.
On balance. l believe it is right that hauliers should know the details of the report--even though it is not a policy document—because nothing can be more fundamental to their lives than licensing. On this subject they should be allowed to express their views on the suggestions. But I consider that irresponsible treat
ment (either by an elected or paid official) of major confidential documents will not inspire official confidence in the Association. At a time of approaching political turbulence such as is now apparent, this is—to put it no higher—regrettable. 1 wonder if the person who. obviously to further some personal end, abused his privileged position really considered all the possible consequences?
I also wonder whether he is now prepared to back his action (which was a calculated snub to his Association), declare his name, and state the reasons? They would have to be remarkably good to convince.
Personally, I do not think he is man enough to do it.
The chances of any probing within the R.H.A. uncovering his identity are slim, so the Association must now bear the brand of doubt—not only on this, but also on any other vital matter which might arise in the future.
And that, l submit, is damned unfair on an association which is going to be as deeply involved politically as is the R.H.A.