Early Entry by Purchase Only
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" ANYBODY wishing to come back into long-distance haulage at the early doors will have to buy an undertaking with a special A licence—that is the Government's intention," said Mr. B. Winterbottom, national chairman ofthe Road Haulage Association, at a meeting in Nottingham, last week. Two hundred members and ex-members of the Association were present.
The Transport Bill would set the pattern of the country's transport for many years to come and it must be made to work, Mr. Winterbottom continued. The decision to tender for a transport unit was one that each haulier must in the last resort make for himself, but the Association could help at every stage.
Government policy had become increasingly clear during discussions with representatives of the Association. The aim was speedy and complete de-nationalization at the best price. No preference could be given to special interests, such as hauliers whose undertakings had been acquired.
The Minister of Transport was aware of the danger that the new provisions for the setting up of companies by the British Transport Commission might become the dominant procedure and of
the equally grave risk that the corn. panics would be sold at an earlier stage than the transport units, to the great advantage of the purchasers. The Minister, who had the last word on this matter, had stated that there must be a large number of small units which would be offered for sale at least as early as the companies.
The company structure was intended to be the exception, rather than the rule, and it was likely that no more than 10,000 vehicles would be disposed of by this method.
Mr. Winterbottom forecast severe competition with the railways in the long-distance field.
The Northern Area of the R.H.A. also held an open meeting of members and ex-members in Newcastle upon Tyne, last week. Mr. H. L. Walker, who presided and is a member of the ad hoc committee, gave a full resume of the position to date. " If it had not been for the R.H.A., there would have been no denationalization," he said.
The meeting expressed its unanimous confidence in the manner in which the Association were assisting all concerned. A further meeting will be held as soon as more information is available.