C-Licensees Should be Made to Hire Out--Labour M.P.
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A TABOUR Member of Parliament, 1-1 Mr. Ernest Davies, who is thought by some people to be a potential 7stinister of Transport, last week propounded a startling scheme for the CORtrOi of C-licence operators, before a Itrge meeting of the Traders' Road transport Association.
Mr. Davies considered that the fleets of ancillary users represented a large excess of carrying capacity, for the eason that there was so much empty or part-load running; and as there were nearly lm. vehicles in this category, these added to road congestion.
He admitted that they filled a most important place in the transport system of the country, and now that the roads ;did the railways had freedom to compete there was not the same justification as there had been in the past for limiting the C-licensee in respect of mileage. Ile still believed, however, in a planned transport organization under public ownership.
His suggestion was to fit C-licence fleets into the country's transport system. While carrying their own goods. the operators might be able to give other services; thus, in return for ihe privilege of a C licence, the operator might he required to make his vehicles available for public road haulage, although not for hire or reward. hut he could hire out his vehicles to hauliers when they were not required by It was questionable whether the 1933 licensing system was now satisfactory and he favoured a comprehensive inquiry into the whole subject. C-licensees might be required to give proof of need and to show that the efficiency and economic requirements of their businesses would be injured unless they had certain vehicles. At the termination of each five years' licence, the situation could be reviewed by the Licensing Authorities to ascertain whether renewal would be economic end, as with hauliers, there would be a right of objection by other transport operators.
A favourable factor which would be taken into consideration would be the use of the vehicles in communal haul age, or by hire to hauliers. Every C-licensee would, however, be permitted to retain a minimum fleet without proof of need and the scheme would have to be most carefully devised so as not to upset the finely balanced transport system.