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Rochdale Report
Page 3
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HE report published on Wednesday (see page 5 of this issue) 1 by the Rochdale Committee which has been investigating the present, and possible future, position within major British docks is a massive document. Its size has without doubt been brought about by the sheer weight (and fervour) of the tremendous amount of evidence through which the committee had to sift.
But this same size necessarily snakes it a document that must be considered carefully and at length. Firm conclusions should not be drawn hastily, if only because so much depends upon what Mr. Marples is prepared to do about the many recommendations which are contained in the report.
Even the most cursory glance at this tome—which could have a major impact on the future well-being of baullers—shows its essential commonsense approach. One obvious fact is that the Rochdale Committee lays blame for the existing chaos in British docks on the shoulders of merchants and port authorities. Nonetheless it does not altogether absolve hauliers, particularly on the question of charg-ng substantial darnurrage to those shippers who insist on deliveries immediately before, and even after, ships' closing dates.
This is obviously a report about which much more will have to be• said in future weeks, once all its implications have been thoroughly digested.
Mr. Marples will, in any ease, do nothing until he has received and considered the views of the trade associations upon the report.