Mr. Bevin Castigates Road Operators
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PRESIDING at the annual luncheon of the Mansion House Association on Transport, the president, Mr. W. H. Gaunt, C,B.E., said that the body had fulfilled a useful function in answering many of the problems concerning all types of transport.
An early declaration on post-war transport policy wa:s most desirable. Despite criticisms, our pre-war transport service was the highest in the world.
Users were dependent upon skilled labour to renovate old vehicles and supply new ones, and the situation v, as becoming very serious. In connection with the relocation of industry, there was nothing to indicate that attention was being given to facilities for traffic flow to ports, etc. Mr. Ernest Bevin said that transport was vital to the Nation, and would become more so. As regards wages, legal enforcement was the best element for stability.
He soundly trounced road operators concerning the still unsatisfactory state of welfare on the road. Long-distance men had earned the gratitude of the Nation; but they had to work "under frightful _conditions. They must be given facilities for sleeping, feeding, and bathing. Ex-Servicemen would want better conditions when they returned; they would not be satisfied with what their fathers had gone .through. He, suggested a small addition to each vehicle licence to provide the extra amenities for them. The Treasury had offered a substantial loan to achieve this object, but advantage had not been taken of it. There was need kir a great collective effort to help drivers.
Other remarks made by Mr. Bevin are referred to in a.leader. o
Mr, William Mebane (Ministry of Food) referred to the achievements in economy in the distribution of food. The Ministry had had to make a little go a long way and much depended uPon how it was handled.
Sir Reginald Hill (M.O.W.T.) mentioned that the M.O.W.T. Road Haulage Organization handled 4,060,090 tons of traffic during the past year Mr. R. M. Hughes (M.H.A. mentary Committee) expressed deep disappointment at road-transport operators not applying for a share in the air. .