Form "Ginger. Groups" of Hauliers Our Contributor Asks .Why the
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National Bodies Protecting Hauliers' Interests Have Not Officially Criticized ,the Government Haulage Scheme and. Suggests the Appointment of Back-ben chers to Stir Them to Action on Matters of Policy
By
"Tantalus"
FROM the correspondence received from operators it is evident that the complaints and dissatisfaction expressed regarding the working of the Government Road Haulage Scheme must have some foundation. The complaints emanate not from a single district or area, but are widespread, and so provide ample confirmation of the state of affairs obtaining in the road-transport industry. Perhaps the most significant feature of the criticism is that it has come from the sufferers themselves, i.e., the individual hauliers. So far not a single complaint coming officially from the national organizations has been recorded;-and in this connection there has appeared no statement in the Technical Press.
Indeed, questions are being asked as to why this silence prevails on the part of the national bodies. Why have not the accredited leaders or representatives raised their voices, or—better still—taken action on behalf of their members in an effort to remedy the position? What is the attitude and policy of the S.J.C. in this matter? Surely the number of operators who suffer must not be permitted to increase because they appear to be lacking advocacy.
No wonder so many hauliers are pondering matters in a state of bewilderment. and consternation. They are being carried away on the stream of 'depression; and eventually they may find themselves out of the industry, to which, possibly, they might never be allowed to return. Maybe therein lies the greatest danger. For if operators be called upon to "prove need " they might be confronted with a task too difficult for successful combat. And that because—with the greatest of ease—the powers that be could establish the fact that the vehicles in question had not been fully employed and, therefore, must be regarded as surplus to requirements.
"Proof of Need" as a Possibility In Post-war Policy
Let it always be remembered that no official statement has been made regarding post-war policy as to the status of operators. If, therefore, "proof of need" should become the deciding factor in the grantipg of licences, hundreds of hauliers would find themselves in the position of having said goodbye for ever to the road-transport industry—and that through no fault of their own. Whilst this form of reasoning might quite well be regarded as being in the nature of "crossing the bridge before it is 'reached," it is essential to look ahead and be on the alert for any indication of such future developments. "Forewarned is forearmed."
Reverting to the position of the accredited leaders of the industry, it must be recollected that some became salaried officials of the M. of W.T. in connection with the Government Scheme and, in consequence, are civil servants. In accepting these official positions-either knowingly or unwittingly—they gagged themselves; for by.virtue of their position they are unable to criticize the .Department to which they are attached. This was a very astute move on the part of the Ministry, inasmuch as the scheme was approved by the industry and is, in fact, being operated by its members.
If amongst that number there are some who realize that the prevailing dissatisfaction is well founded, they are nevertheless helpless. They are unable either to
speak or act. They have an alternative which can be regarded only, as honourable and that lies in resignation. By resigning they can regain freedom of speech and secure for themselves the satisfaction which belongs to those who fight the cause of justice.
So, if in due course no such resignations 'are reported, there can be but two deductions. One, that the criticisms and complaints are unfounded and, therefore, cannot be upheld; the other, that the officials concerned support and are in agreement with the policy of restriction of road transport. Obviously it is a case of being either for or against. It has been said that adversity reveals true friends; the passage of time will indicate the individuals who prove themselves to be the real friends of the haulier throughout this period of stress and difficulty.
Is it Intended to Eliminate the Small A-licensed Haulier?
There is, however, anothr angle from which the position can be viewed. It may be that not only the M. of W.T., but the accredited leaders of the industry have reached, the conclusion that there are too many vehicles operating under A licentes (particularly in reference to the small haulier) and that it is intended to eiiminate these throngh the medium of the Govefnment Scheme. Assuming this to be so, what, then, could be the objectives? Possibly there might be two. On the one hand, the hauliers would be reduced to a composite and consolidated body; and so in the event of nationalization or the establishing of a national board the way of negotiation for compensation and the like would be rendered ranch easier.
On the other hand, there may be a desire to form hauliers into one huge operating company controlled by a financial group. In such event it can be understood that the smaller the number of units involved, the less difficulty there would be in rendering any such project un fait accompli. Whether or not these assumptions be ' proved correct, matters but little at this stage. What does mgfter is the reason for the prevailing policy regarding road transport. The motive can be neither accidental nor haphazard. How, then, can the puzzled minds of operators be relieved? In what way can enlightenment be o.btained?
It is safe to say that very few hauliers are not members of one or other of the national or local associations. Surely, then, these are the media through which the matter must be forced. If the ordinary constitutional procedure has failed to produce the desired results, it is advisable that other means be employed.
For example, in each area there might be formed a "ginger group" of back-benchers. Their particular function would be that of satisfying themielves that the elected representatives to the national councils and various committees faithfully respect the wishes of the member's with particular regard to policy. By this means an opportunity of service would be provided for members who–.-although not desiring office—nevertheless are anxious to work unostentatiously for the welfare of the industry. Doubtless there are many such members possessed of ability, knowledge and experience who might render valuable service on the lines indicated.