Matters in the Limelight
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
0 NCE again the mix-up regarding alternative fuels has been given prominence by an official statement to the effect that coal gas and substitute fuels are to be rationed. Naturally,' present and prospective users—as well as the manufacturers of producer-gas plants—are somewhat perturbed by this announcement, as already many thousands of pounds hate been expended on research, manufacture and purchase of plant. Now it is the intention of the Government to restrict the use of vehicles by the limitation of
supplies. .
Let us review this sad story. After two years spent in , agitation, the culminating point was reached when the House of Lords carried the attack through to a successful issue resulting in a definite declaration of official policy. At long last officialdom was stirred to action.
Pledge of Protection Broken It may be recalled that so far back as 1939 Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd (then Secretary for Mines) made a statement in the House of Commons which was regarded by the manufacturers of gas producers as a pledge of protection. • This resulted in the preparation of plans for production and in a considerable expenditure of capital. The Only hint of any possible restriction was given by the same Minister in March last, when he said• that ' private cars equipped with producer-gas plant must not be used for pleasure purposes after the discontinuance of the basic petrol ration. „ To return to Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd's fast statement in 1939. During the debate he said that, in order to stimulate the use of alternative .fuels, the Government had decided to give certain assurances. He went on to inform the House that, so far as the present Government was concerned, there was no intention of proposing that such fuels should be taxed within the next five years. He further remarked that—for serices of national importance—the Government had no intention of rationing these fuels. Such a definite statement; surely, was good enough for anyone.
The trade and operators alike were convinced that the only possible restriction might be some system of licensing, with no fuel limitation. By now they are disillusioned and sadder but by no means wiser men; for even to-day it is not clear whatethe Government has in mind. Uptto the present moment there has been no declaration of policy.
The road-transport irliustry is particularly interested in the position; and it is hoped that the M. of W.T. will give a lead in the matter at an early date.
Cuts in Motor-coach Services
For some time past there have been indications that, sooner or later, cuts would be made in motor-coach services, particularly those covering long distances. Therefore, the recently announced decision of the Regional Transport Commissioners did not come as a complete surprise: The drastic nature of the cuts, however, is more than a surprise; in fact, it constitutes a bombshell. Particular. reference might be made to a concern operating a London-East Anglian service, regarding which there has been some publicity. The' circumstances are, that this concern was given 14 days' notice to terminate the whole of the services operating on this route.
Doubtless other. operators will find themselves similarly affected in a greater or lesser degree.
The, reason given for the decision is the need for economy in the use of tyres and fuel. Regarding this necessity there cannot be the slightest disagreement. It is ". further stated that where passenger services run parallel with railways the former are not considered to be justified. It should be noted, however, that the Green Line services of the L.P.T.B. will not be Affected by these decisions. This is an extraordinary position, as there must be numerous services operating to places served by the railways. For example, Luton, which is on a main line, has a" reasonably good train service, and yet Green Line coaches run there regularly from London every quarter of an. hour. Why this distinction between an independent operator and the L.P.T.B.i Surely what" is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander! It is possible that there is some perfectly good reason for this discrimination, but until the matter is cleared up a feeling of bewilderment and discontent must prevail amongst other interests.
Many well-deserved tributes have been paid to members of the industry for war services which have been outstanding in stability and loyalty. There can be no doubt that, so long as any sacrifice or hardship' demanded is equally shared there will be no tomplaints. If, on the other hand, one section be penalized while the other is allowed to go free,'then it is only natural that bitter feelings should ensue. In these circumstances could not the M. of W.T. issue a statement to clarify the position, so that unnecessary fear and apprehension may be allayed?
Disposal of W.D. Vehicles
Those of us who took part in the-, war of 1914-18 can well remember the War Depot for surplus supplies at Slough, at which cars and commercial vehicles could be 'purchased at prices covering a very wide range. We may take as a typical example the price of £50 for a three-ton lorry in reasonable condition. Frequently one has heard the remark that the modern road-transport industry, was born at Slough.
With a view to preventing a similar flooding of the market with large numbers of surplus vehicles after the present war, the Government—very wisely—has decided upon a definite policy. The decision is that all surplus vehicles must be returned to the manufacturers for disposal through trade channels instead of being offered direct to the public. This arrangement is pleasing to the manufacturers and the industry "alike, and for obvious reasons. It was rtported recently, however, that a number of surplus W.D. cars and commercial vehicles was to be offered for sale by public auction, and this caused some concern in certain quarters. A question put in the House of Commons to the responsible Minister anent surplus vehicles evoked the reply that all such vehicles were sold to the original makers. After the necessary overhaul and repairs they would be resold at controlled prices to licensed purchasers. It is tobe hoped that the M. of W.T. will give close attention to this matter, and prevent surplus vehicles being marketed through any but the prescribed channels, as laid down in the Regulations. 'In only this way can the interests of operators be safeguarded.