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Post-war Reconstruction Discussed

3rd April 1942, Page 28
3rd April 1942
Page 28
Page 28, 3rd April 1942 — Post-war Reconstruction Discussed
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

LAST week we referred to the British Road Federation luncheon which marked the setting up of a Post-war Reconstruction Committee for the roadtransport industry. Apart from thosealready mentioned there were present Messrs. J. S. Nicholl, C.B.E., and H. F. Outen, representing public haulage; H. Shankland, motor manufacturers; H. W. L. Reddish, road construction; J. S. Wills, p.s.v. operators; W. H. Gaunt, C.B.E., ancillary users; and C. T. Brunner, petroleum distributors, whilst the guests included Sir Cyril Hurcomb, K.C.B., Director-General of the Ministry of War Transport; Sir Frederic C. Cooke, C.B., Messrs. R. H. Hill, C. A. Birtchnell, P. Wilson, Fleetwood C. Pritchard, E. C. V. Goad of the M. of W.T. also A. Allen of the Automobile Association, and C. W. Evans of the Royal Automobile Club.

In reply to Mr. G. N. Wilson, whose introductory remarks we gave last week, Mr. P. J. Noel-Baker said that he

thought we should certainly see an enormous expansion of road traffic. The standard of living would rise considerably, and this within the next 20 years, whilst -side by side would be a great fall in the cost of motor vehicles.

For road-transport the post-war period would be a creative epoch of lasting importance. Tens of millions of people all over the world must be returned to normal employment.

Public works would probably he on a stupendous scale. Part would be building and part transportation, and road construction would be the most important item.

He hinted at a greater extension of official supervision by putting the question: Should the Governrhent watch developments in road transport and then bring in measures to overcome the ensuing problems of dislocation which uncontrolled growth would inevitably evolve, or would it be better to exercise control from the beginning?

As regards roads, it will pay all concerned to have a basic plan prepared. We must not be afraid to spend money. Research and planning would repay this a thousand.fold. He did not favour the German system of Autobahnen, and thought it would be better to improve what we already have.

All factors in transport were part of one system. We must plan access to ports without interfering with the rights of the railways. Our roads must also be planned for holidays, as tourist trade can play a great part in the life of a nation. Canada, for example, derived almost the same profit from its touring facilities as it did from its huge export of wheat. A far greater expansion In this direction here would be desirable and possible, for we still have 12,000,000 workers without holidays with pay, but they will have them soon.

In the meantime, any useful proposals on these matters would be welcomed by the M. of W.T.


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