The Quiet Man
Page 38
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE new Minister of Transport, Mr. Harold Watkinson, is a quiet man. He gives the impression of being one who will keep his own counsel until everyone has had his say and will then make up his own mind. Certainly, no
one will make it up for him. , He is only 45 years old—young for politics—and young enough tO take charge with vision of a road programme that should grow as it becomes financially possible. Mr. Watkinson has been only five years in Parliament, but he has had a good grounding in transport, for he was Parliamentary Private Secretary when Sir Winston Churchill appointed Mr. Maclay to Transport in 1951. He was promoted to be deputy Minister of Labour after only a year, a sure sign of ability.
Testing Years
AT the Ministry of Labour he had one of the most testing jobs of all, for labour has been a delicate subject ever since 1951. Sir Walter Monckton, the Minister, was the soul of tact and bon/ton/iv, which made him one of the most successful holders of this office.
Mr. Watkinson was equally successful. He could always say what he wanted without giving offence. In fact, he did so well that many people expected him to take over that Ministry when Sir Walter left it.
He is an engineer and has been a technical journalist in his time.
Birthday Parcels
IF all goes well, Mr. Watkinson will receive on his birthday.
on January 25, some neat little 'parcels labelled "B.R.S. (Parcels), Ltd." Inside will be tenders for the smalls network and Mr. Watkinson's day will be complete. If, on the other hand, his fairy godfathers are remiss, he will begin his 47th year with a big problem on his hands.
But in his new post he will at least be able to mix pleasure with his business. One of his favourite recreations is walking. and if road congestion grows any worse, he will have ample opportunity of indulging in it.
Surprise Move
mR. BOYD-CARPENTER'S Move to the Ministry of Pensions was something of a surprise. But it will give him a chance to recoup his energies after a gruelling period at the Ministry of Transport, with the Road Traffic Bill to put through and the dispute over denationalization to negotiate. It is possible that the Conservative revolt over British Road Services has had something to do with Mr. BoydCarpenter's temporary move into.quieter waters although, in allowing the British Transport Commission to keep the extra vehicles, he was only carrying out Cabinet policy. Of his ability there is no doubt, for he was an outstandingly successful Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
Unique Occasion
c0 far as I know, Mr. W. P. James, the West Midland Licensing Authority, is the only Licensing Authority who holds a Christmas cocktail party for representatives of passengerand goods-Vehicle operators, lawyers and journalists. Last week's party was the third and Mr. James was at the top of his charming form.
He suggested to me that the occasion afforded an excellent opportunity, for a cross-section of all those interested in traffic court matters in the area to meet in harmonious surroundings and discuss mutual and individual problems. He thought it was a precedent that might well be followed in other areas. I heartily agreed.
No Rod Spared
FOR smoking while standing near the front of his bus, Mr. N. G. Molineux was suspended from duty for three days by the general manager of Birmingham Transport Department. Needless to say, that happened many years ago; today it would cause a strike.
Mr. Molineux, who is now a sergeant in charge' of the works police at the Metropolitan-Cammell factory at Elmdon, is still .a stickler for discipline. When he began to drive a bus in 1921 he had to produce three reliable references and interviews were searching. In those days, staff respected discipline and were keen. Mr. Molineux looks with distaste on the post-war laxity and arrogance of many workers.