1950
Page 47
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and all that
By Major E. H. B. Palmer, O.B.E. WAR.S and rumours of war notwithstanding, within the next 18 months 1 expect to see the present Government hand in its dinner pail—and ask for more. Whether or not the Socialists are returned to power, it is unreasonable to suppose that there will be a change of policy as regards the nationalization of transport.
Whoever assumes power will, certainly not risk disturbing the industrial or social balance by putting into reverse the juggernaut now set in motion • We have reached a point towards which there has been a steady advance since as far back as 1930. We have arrived at a stage where transport can no longer be regarded as an industry. It must now be given full and generous recognition 'as 'otie of the great and vital services on which this country has to rely.
" A National Resource It must be brought into line, in this respect, with the defence and other great Services. It must be regarded as a national resource at the disposal of His Majesty's Government; but it mqt not be assessed as a political perquisite. It must lend itself to immediate mobilization.
To provide a yardstick by which the distance between the partial and the total eclipse of the private operator may be measured is not easy. Always will exceptions have to be provided for. At the same time, those who are not involved -at the moment would , be unwise to take comfort from their present immunity.
Now, what about those who seek to achieve independence by private enterprise in road transport? A couple of years ago it was not very difficult for a newcomer to prove the need for his services. Twelve months ago it was a little, harder, but still possible. To-day the odds are heavily against him. and in 1950 he will be as rare as a Camberwell Beauty.
The unsuccessful and disgruntled applicant is heard to speak of-those who are, for no apparent reason, luckier than he. There is always a reason, and no two cases are alike. Failure may be caused by sheer bad luck, by inability to assemble the necessary evidence or to exploit it fully.
No good comes from blaming the Licensing Authority or cursing the opposition. Both of them do their best to curb the optimist.' ' He is advised against entering into hasty commitments, and he is warned of the cards which the other side holds. If only the average applicant would consider his position from every aspect; if only he would accept this advice and warning, no doubt much would be saved in time and disappointment.
In every notice of objection to an application, this is what is claimed and this is what has to be disproved by the applicant: "Suitable transport facilities (namely, the services of the present objector and of other operators of transport) are already in excess of requirements."
Each word of that sentence should be carefully weighed, as it was weighed by those responsible for the drafting of the Road and Rail Traffic Act.
Generally speaking, it would seem that the industry of road transport, outside that which is immediately involved in nationalization, would be well advised to consolidate its position against further encroachment by putting its house in order and keeping it so Strong measures should be adopted against individual operators who disregard the conditions of their licences, and less antagonism should be shown against prospective recruits.
Is There a Policy ?
At present; if there be any particular policy regarding who and what is to be opposed, it is not clear. Recently, a licensee seeking additional tonnage by nearly 100 per cent, was unopposed, although he was increasing his competitive value by just that amount. Twelve months ago he would' have had to fight, and fight hard, for far less.
On the other hand, a newcomer, no matter what he seeks, finds the hosts of Midian on his doorstep well within the statutory period and through the usual channel.
There is no person more casually inclined than the average haulier, and those who would enter the industry are no better. They ignore all that is published for their information. In a journal which deals with their queries, it may be observed that the same questions are submitted, over and over again, by those who sign themselves "Constant Reader." If they be entitled to this distinction, it must be concluded that they read with their eyes open and their minds at rest.