Don't Forget the Small Haulier
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In Far Too Many Cases the Promises Made to Him Have Not Been Kept; He has also Little Say in Most Schemes Affecting Him and is Rapidly Losing Faith and Confidence
By "Tantalus"
WHILE perusing the subject-matter of recent speeches made by leading association personalities—in what, apparently, amounts to a spring propaganda campaign—it is interesting to note that special reference is made to the small operator and the safeguarding of his position. There appears to be no indication, however, as to the means by which such 'safeguarding is to be effected, as neither proposals nor suggestions have been put forward. In fact, a search reveals that no word or information in the matter at any time has been vouchsafed by any one ef the leaders of the road-haulage industry.
• From time to time there have been uttered pious statements to the effect that the small operator must be protected, his place secured, etc. But, in the absence of definite information as to the steps being taken to put such glib phrases into effect, the utterances become meaningless and entirely without substance.
Any such type of appeasement is less than useless to the small operator, who—to use a colloquialism—wants to know " What about it? " Naturally, he is worried as a result of the uncertainty, and anxious and perplexed regarding the silence of the leaders. He is, in fact, asking—and with increasingly monotonous repetition—whether his future is without hope. He wants to know if he be a victim marked for extinction not only by the Government, but by those whom he himself placed in a position of power by reposing in them his trust so as to secure protection. For, let it he remembered, the small operator comprises a large section of association membership. Therefore, in demanding from the -leaders information as to the steps taken by them to safeguard his future, he is merely exercising his prerogative.
Undoubtedly there prevails amongst the small operators grave doubts regarding the attitude and policy of the leaders concerning this most important matter. Also there exists, unmistakably, a feeling that the small man is regarded as unimportant and almost superfluous in the plan of control which, gradually,. is being unfolded and gaining lucidity day by day. In this section of the industry there is evidenced the opinion that the leaders themselves consider that there are too many independent units operating in road-haulage and that they have concurred in the policy of the M.O.W.T. to reduce the number. This opinion may or may not be correct, but it is quite fair to say that—for months past— certain thinking and observant persons have visualized some such possibility.
.Fate of' Smaller Operators a Grave Responsibility Suffice it to say that, from the trend of developments, it becomes increasingly obvious that the future of the small operator is in jeopardy, with the possibility of extinction as his ultimate fate. Should history prove this to be veritably os true, then the responsibility of the appointed leaders is terrible indeed to contemplate. .
Unfortunately, it is only to evident that there is scarcely a city, town, or hamlet which is free -from casualties amongst the ranks of the small hauliers. These men—sadly enough—have been forced out of business, with little or no prospect of return.
It is, indeed, strangely paradoxical that—in this fourth year of war for freedom and the soul of man—the small man should be the.chief sufferer and, from his ranks, should provide the greatest number of victims. Quite possibly, from the point of view of those who are planning the New Order, lie is considered a nuisance and regarded as a stumbling block in the furtherance of their designs. So, perforce, he must be banished; and, unhappily, the war provides a grand opportunity for the perpetration of such policy, leaving the big interests a more open field for development. Every committee set up in connection with road transport ...on since the outbreak of war has been drawn from the ranks of the large operators. Not one small haulier can be named in this regard. There are, possibly, representatives who were elected to speak on behalf of the small man, tint that is vastly different from the small haulier having direct representation from the members of his own ranks.
If the leaders have decided that there is no future for the small man—and they are the people who should possess this knowledge—would it not be more honest to say so? Their action in so ding would command respect; and if the small man were told that there is no place for him in the new scheme of road-transport affairs, he would, at least, have an opportunity of selling his btsiness, merging with 'a larger concern, or—in the last resort—seeking a neiy means for livelihood.
The only conclusion, seemingly, is either that the leaders are partial to this policy or that they have been outgeneralled and outmanceuvred by the Government officials, who have proved cleverer than some people anticipated. If the latter, the weakness in leadership is shown up in bold relief and affords but little hope for the future.
Are We to Abandon Freedom and Fair Dealing?
This modern tendency to squeeze out the smell man is TIM confined to the road-haulage industrY. It is general in its application and much.to be deprecated. If this stateof affairs be permitted to continue unchecked, then all conceptions of freedom, fairness and liberty must be abandoned.
The additional power given to the bureaucrats as a result of war-time conditions will not be surrendered without a struggle, so the future can be segarded only with some degree of apprehension. True, specific promises have been made that civilian liberties will be restored after the war. But it remains for such promises to be redeemed.
In any event, what benefit will be gained by the small haulier if his business already has been destroyed and he finds the door securely closed against his re-entry into the industry? This applies particularly to the man who had to close down his business on joining the Forces or, alternatively, because he could not cerry on as a result of the control scheme, and to whom no promise of permission to re-enter the industry has been given. Is this all that is meant by the Victory of Tunisia, in which campaign numerous members of the industry played an honourable part?. Are these men to be denied the right -to reserve their place in the industry on their return to civilian life?
What, in fact, is the policy and attitude of the leaderson this issue, and what action have they 'taken to safeguard the future of the small man? To do so is not merely a moral obligation but a duty from which there is no honest escape.
When associations were building up their strength, eagerly did they seek the support of the small haulier, with his welcome subscription. Therefore, from those who claim tc be his representatives and in whom he placed his confidence, he has every right to expect assistance and consideration. In joining the associations he endeavoured to provide for his future protection and security, and he is justified in demanding that the representatives shall carry out their obligations.
The future position of the small man is summarized in a remark included in a recent speech by the Home Secretary, when he said : "The real post-war issue is the great issue of the relation between the State and industry," If the war-time policy for road transport be any indication as to the plans for the future, then the leaders should surely come out into the open and state whether they favour a controlled monopoly or whether they desire—and are willing to work for—a return to the freedom of fhe individual and private enterprise.