The Silent Force A T a recent political meeting, a representative
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
of a firm of commercial-vehicle dealers asked what would be the position of the retail trade under nationalization. When he was told that a national transport board was hardly likely to buy its vehicles from local dealers, and its fuel, lubricants and tyres from wayside garages, he seemed to be a little surprised and embittered. Having realized that his livelihood was in danger. he, like many others, may have wondered why so many manufacturers and traders have turned their backs on their customers in the hour of their greatest need.
Although the Transport Bill forbids the Commission to manufacture chassis, except for research purposes, there is no ban on the construction of bodies, and bodybuilders may find themselves shut out from a substantial portion of their trade. Moreover, if the Commission decides to standardize on a minimum number of types, only one or two chassis manufacturers will benefit, and even they may be forced Lc; accept unfavourable terms.
Similarly, the activities of many members of the retail trade will be curtailed. Why, then, has the bulk of the trade side of the industry been silent on the question of nationalization?
It may be argued that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is a non-political organization and cannot rightly intervene in such matters. In that case, some agency could be set up especially for the purpose of aiding the cause, or a co-operative arrangement could be made with the Road Haulage Association. Where the interests of members are directly threatened by the proposal of a municipality to build bodies, the S.M.M.T. is not slow to act. The effects of nationalization on private enterprise are no different from those of municipal incursion into trade.
There is still time for manufacturers and retailers to protect their own interests and show that they are not entirely indifferent to the fate of the longdistance hauliers and the many others who may ultimately be affected by nationalization. The defeat of the right of independent enterprise to operate commercial vehicles on the roads of Britain will surely redound to the discomfiture of the trade. It is time to realize that the trade will be hit—and must fight.