Under the Shadow of Renationalization
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LIALF the 15,000 vehicles offered for I sale by the British Transport Commission in small units have been sold, and the prospects are that more will be disposed of, but the 9,000-11,000 vehicles offered in larger units are not selling and are under " the shadow of renationalization."
Mr. H. S. Vian-Smith, secretary to the Home Affairs and Transport Division of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, made this comment in an address to the Humberside Section of the Institute of Transport, at Hull, last week.
Mr. Vian-Smith criticized the position "in which this vital service to C;ornmerce and industry is allowed to remain within the arena of political controversy."
The Transport Act, 1953, opened up a new era. It was a bold and, at least, efficient plan in its concept. The threat of renationalization was made by people who should know better, for it was not likely to encourage interest in road haulage on a substantial scale with any long-term policy in view.
Mr. Vian-Smith said that a more sensible business policy could regain for the railways much of the heavy traffic that was now travelling on inadequate roads. The practice c-f increasing revenue on the railways by raising charges was not good for competition.
BUYERS EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM USED VEHICLES A CHARGE that there had been misrepresentation when he bought a used lorry from Mr. Norman Yates, Ivy Villa, South Elmshall, was made at Pontefract County Court, last week, by Mr. Harold Miles, haulage contractor,
Moortown, Leeds. Mr. Miles was claiming £98 18s. from Mr. Yates.
Mr. Miles said that he bought a used lorry from Mr. Yates in Mareh for• £160. He was told that it was in sound mechanical condition, but since then had had to spend money on various repairs.
Giving judgment for Mr. Yates, the judge said that people who bought used vehicles seemed to expect too much. "A 1946 good condition is not a 1954 good condition," he said.
PURCHASE TAX EXPLAINED
ANEW explanation of the law governing purchase tax on motorvehicle chassis has been published by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. It is coded No. 78Q. The position of traders who make alterations to bodywork is explained.
P.T. REDUCED ON MORRIS VANS
PURCHASE tax on Morris 5-cwt. and 10.-cwt. vans and pick-ups has been reduced as from November 16. The new price of the 25-cwt. van is £345, ,plus £47 1 Is. 6d. purchase tax. The 10-ewt, vart, is priced. at £48.5, plus £68 1.s. 2d. purchase tax.