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Letters to the Editor

26th February 1960, Page 161
26th February 1960
Page 161
Page 161, 26th February 1960 — Letters to the Editor
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Overseas Holidays No "Threat"

I CANNOT sympathize with the submission made to the West Midland Traffic Commissioners (The Commercial keloor, February 12) that cheap inclusive overseas holidays are a serious threat to the operation of coach tours in this country. Surely the coaching industry does not claim a sole right to the provision of holiday facilities for British people: It is merely a part of the holiday trade, and if the low-price overseas holiday is a " threat " to the home coach operator, so it is also to the Clacton landlady and tile Torquay hotelier.

For such a submission to be valid, one would need to_ prove that the kind of people attracted by cheap holidays averseas were the same as would otherwise have taken t cheap coach tour at home. I very much doubt whether he abstraction complained of amounts to much. And if t did, why do not the company concerned set out to meet he new demand?

London, N.W.II. H. S. GREENBAUM.

Mr. W. Foden Answers Lord Boothby

I WAS interested to hear what Lord Boothby had to say I about "heavy " haulage in a recent broadcast programme, 'Free Speech." He said emphatically that heavy vehicles, which carry so much of the nation's goods, should be forced )II the road and the traffic transferred to the railways. He

should know that the choice of road transport is made by consigners, and that the customer will always adopt the service which is best in both cost and efficiency.

Let me quote an example. Cream had to be transported. from Dumfries, Scotland, to Frome, Somerset. When it was carried by rail it was loaded at Dumfries station, travelled to Carlisle and was there transhipped to be taken to Crewe, where it was again transferred to a train to Frome. The journey took about eight days. A similar load was carried by road direct from Dumfries to Frome in 1-1 days and the cream arrived fresh. This report was received from a haulier and proved—I think, without doubt —that road haulage was more efficient and satisfactory than the rail system. This is only one of many similar cases.

To do as Lord Boothby suggested would greatly increase the country's transport costs and put thousands of men out of work. Is this what he wants?

Sandbach. WILLIAM FODEN,

Governing Director, Fodens, Ltd.

[Mr. William Foden is an infrequent but welcome contributor

• to The Commercial Motor. In his 91 years he has seen the mechanical road vehicle grow from effrontery to a premier alace in the world's transport system and he has much to teach the politicians about industry and life..—En.]


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