" 1 "'` 1 i mtical, Vague , and Untrue D UR1NG a recent
Page 24
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
visit to the North by Lord Hurcomb, chairman of the British Transport Commission, he received from the Preston Chamber of Commerce a dossier containing 42 specific complaints concerning the efficiency of the transport afforded by B.R.S.
Whilst he undertook to look into these, he made the following comment: "It would be wrong to say that there is no cause for complaint about nationalized services, but I do feel that much of the criticism we get is political in character." He also described some of the instances given as being " vague " and "untrue."
Thanks to the appreciated co-operation of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, we have been able to peruse this dossier. Possibly the following complaint, extracted from it, may be placed in the " political " class; at least we seem to detect in it a reminiscent odour:— " We have found a marked deterioration on prewar services in respect of getting fancy cheeses such as Gorgonzola, Danish blue and Roquefort. . . . Speedy transport is essential if the goods are to be received by us in a satisfactory condition. . . All one can do is to hand over the goods either to British Railways or British Road Services, and in either instance the goods seem to be dealt with in a most impersonal manner and receipt under three or four days is most exceptional. Last summer we had several instances of goods being sent from London on Wednesday not being received until the Monday following, having been kept over the week-end in a hot garage. The result was that considerable deterioration of the cheese occurred."
Perhaps this one is " vague ":--" From Birmingham by road now takes much longer. The goods used to come by Fisher Renwick, and were normally delivered in two or three days. Recent deliveries: 23 bags rastings despatched October 31, delivered Preston November 9; 43 bags castings despatched November 3, delivered Preston November 10."
Possibly Lord Hurcomb would consider this one " untrue ":—" We found it necessary to purchase our own vehicles and therefore we are not experiencing transport difficulties at the present time." Lord Hurcornb must indeed find it irksome to know that this catalogue of vague, political untruths has been circulated among Members of Parliament and is finding support from other Chambers of Commerce.