Fewer Vehicles; Dearer Fuel
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D OAD transport operators will suffer
under the programme of economies announced on Monday by the Prime Minister. "The home market is at present receiving a much. larger flow of commercial vehicles than was planned or than we can afford, and supplies must be diverted to export," he said.
In declaring that "further production efforts are needed in those industries which are capable of expanding sales in dollar areas," he included the manufacture of motor vehicles. Since the war, however, the production of commercial vehicles has risen steeply and in the first eight months of this year 133,892 units were built, compared with 177,169 in the whole of last year. This year's output is likely to exceed by about 30,000 the figure for last year, which was in itself an advance of 20,000 On the output for 1947.
Exports of commercial vehicles are also well up to the target set by the Government for the end. of the year.
Some operators are also likely, to be affected by the decision to prune transport facilities for school children.
The Ministry of Supply is to cut contracts for vehicles. .
Another blow to all operators of commercial vehicles is the increase in the price of fuel, which took effect on Tuesday. In the inner zones, motor spirit in bulk now costs Is. 110, a gallon and from the pump 2s. 3d. Dery has been increased in price to Is. Incl. In the outer zones prices are id. a gallon and in the general zones per gallon higher than those stated.
The new maximum price of motor spirit in bulk is 2s. 00. and from the pump 2s. 31d.; the ceiling price for dery is Is. Sid These figures apply in inner zones. They will'not be put into effect pending the conclusion of discussions between the Ministry of Fuel and-Power and oil interests.