New face, new image ?
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I have the feeling that the new Minister for Transport, Dr John Gilbert, may regard the unfortunate circumstances of his appointmenit—the post having been turned down by two other MPs—as a challenge, in the sense that he will wish to show that there really is something to be made of it. Although we in the transport industry tend to think automatically of Barbara Castle when aske to name a Transport Minister who made a mark, one would have to go -back to Ernie Marples to find one who ha really become a national figure with the public.
Only a few years ago the job was regarded as a plum post in the Government, with a major spending budget. Now, however, under the wing of the giant Environment Department, it has lost its attraction. The lack of interest is surprising, for many important decisions have till to be taken, and Labour is committed to formulating a comprehensive transport policy and a major shift of traffic from road to rail.
Although -ruled out for this session of Parliament, the Party also has on the stocks an extension of nationalised' into the road haulage industry, While key negotiations have still to be held with Britain's EEC partners on the size and weight of lorries, licences, transport pricing policy and other matters.
By no means a cul-de-sac for an enterprising Minister.