An Open Letter to the M. of W.T.
Page 18
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DEAR Mr. Minister, Right away I want to make it quite clear that I am not writing to you in a carping or critical spirit. On the contrary, it is my most 'earnest wish that you shall succeed where so many of your predecessors have failed.
When you accepted the invitation to join the Government as Minister of .War Transport you were accorded a gdocl reception from every quarter: for it was abundantly realized that you were undertaking a big job of work— a task, indeed, which would have daunted many men. You assumed office endowed with the reputation of a man of action, possessed of extensive organizing experience, both of which attributes it was hoped would be applied to your present job. In addition, you started out free from political prejudices and untrammelled by the Civil Service atmosphere and environment. Big things, therefore, were expected from you.
I had hoped that one of the first problems to claim your attention would be that of transport, and road transport in particular. This, because, after all, it is definitely a matter of major importance, is it not? Shortly before your advent as Minister your immediate predecessor announced publicly that he was to become an operator of road transport and that the Ministry had produced a road-haulage scheme. He sketched this only in broad outline, details were singularly lacking. It may have been, of course, that the schemewas merely in a state of embryo and that, at the time, it was impossible to make the details more widely known. All that happened some months ago, and—so far as I am aware—there has been no further development of the scheme. If it should be that all details are completed and the plans ready to put into operation, then why hesitate to say the word "Go "?
It is inconceivable that you are not fully conscious of the effect which the rapidly shortening days will have upon transport, with particular regard to dock clearance —a phase of the war effort which is of the most vital importance. If I assume correctly, this was the main purpose of the Ministry's scheme. So once again I ask, why, then, do you hesitate to make use of the scheme? Is it because you are in doubt as to the measure of support you would receive from the road-transport industry, and are afraid, therefore, that the results might prove a failure? Or is it that the new Advisory Committee has or has not been invited to prepare alternative plans? There is no need for You to worry unduly on the score of lack of support from the industry itself. There has never been unanimity of opinion in the roadtransport industry. I would suggest, then, that you use to the full the powers at your disposal and act decisively and with determination. After all, we are engaged in a life and death struggle which does not permit half measures. If it should be that the new Advisory Committee is preparing alternative plans, difficulties may then arise. You are doubtless well aware of the existence of the numerous committees formed specifically to deal with transport problems which resulted in little or no progress. In spite of this unprofitable experience you have seen fit to form yet another committee to add to the number_ This I would say appears to be superfluous so far as the haulage scheme is concerned.
You, sir, have at your disposal the machinery and the personnel (including representatives from the roadtransport industry who have given their services without remuneration) to operate the scheme. May I suggest, then, that, without further delay, you pull the starting lever and set in motion the machine which has so long remained inactive? This course would afford you the means to discover any weaknesses or defects while the days are still reasonably long, so that by the time winter conditions prevail any necessary adjustments could be made to ensure smooth and efficient running. By acting courageously in this matter you will be assured of the gratitude and appreciation not only of the country as a whole, but even the road-transport industry itself.
TANTALUS.