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Transport Overlord Would Bolster Railways
Page 57
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" IT is difficult to see what the task of a transport overlord would be unless it was to reshape the present road transport industry in the supposed interests of the railways," said Mr. G. K. Newman, secretary-general of the R.H.A., when he gave an address at Glasgow University on Wednesday. Speaking for himself rather than for the Association, he reviewed many aspects of road transport and said that talk of integration, the forced expansion of B.R.S. (which he was sure they themselves did not want), hints of restrictions on C-licensees and now the possibility of the Government appointing a transport overlord, all had sinister implications for trade and industry and not merely for road transport.
To be effective, an overlord would have to be given far wider powers in transport matters than any Government had so far cared to assume and he would almost certainly demand the means to control at least all general long-distance transport. The overlord, said Mr. Newman, would inevitably be disposed to make decisions in favour of the railways, at a time when road transport was increasing and the part played by the railways was remorselessly reclining.
He did not think the Geddes Committee, in its report early next year, would propose the abolition of licensing, which already provided strong control of transport in the interests of users and providers, whereas an overlord might be influenced by factors other than the provision of the best possible service to trade and industry.
Mr. Newman said it would be a different matter if the Government proposed an advisory committee on transport or a high level inquiry; all interests would be fairly represented and progressive and constructive ideas might result.
Of the short-term prospects for transport Mr. Newman said he thought it could not be prosperous without a thriving national economy, and this we lacked at present.