Open Letter to Mr. Herbert Morrison
Page 35
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SIR,—There is, we are told, nothing in this world to cornpare with British justice, in which even the poorest individual is entitled to be represented. Might I inform you that, according to the English dictionary, the definition of justice is given as "quality of being just—integrityimpartiality." Can you honestly apply any of these definitions to your intentions of nationalizing the transport industry? Do such intentions represent a true example of British justice, when the defendant in the case is not even called upon to state his case and defend his rights?
Might I, therefore, suggest to you, or, rather, invite you to refer to recent copies of journals of the technical and trade Press for a suitable reply to your proposed plan. This will immediately convey to you that your decision is by no means popular with the members of the industry, and I need hardly say that it cannot prove to be of any satisfaction to the public in general.
From this reference to the Press, you will gain direct information on the reaction of the very people who, by your threat of nationalization, are being denied the right to live and compete in the country's industrial sphere.
Such reaction, no doubt, will be contrary to your expectations, and this is by no means, to say the least, complimentary to the efforts of your advisers, who, one would surely imagine, are the right people to give you the rightful information as to the operation of the industry in an efficient manner. If the information to hand has caused you to make this fateful decision, then we all feel that you are about to be let down.
First, perhaps you would care to enlighten us all as to that which you expect to gain from State control. Perhaps, as already suggested, you have been misinformed as to its advantages, or. rather, supposed advantages, as. in point of fact, such control can do nothing but impair efficiency.
Quite recently, much has appeared in the national Press concerning this subject, which is one that was really deserving of this type of publicity many months ago, and at the time when your Party mentioned its intentions towards the industry. There may have been good reason for the delayed action of the national Press towards what was, at that time, a premature threat of the Socialists during their period of campaigning.
Idea Too Fantastic Maybe it was that, like the members of the transport industry, and, for that matter, other industries too, the Press rightly imagined that the whole idea was too fantastic for words, being operative only in a strict theoretical sense. Maybe it was that they thought it just another one of the Party's over-magnanimous intentions. Whatever the reason, this does not affect the ultimate outcome of such a disastrous move—one which you would surely live to regret.
Have you interested yourself in the remarks which were passed at a meeting held in the Caxton Hall on November 20? If not, you would be well advised to obtain for yourself a resume of the meeting, when you will soon realize that all is not well, and that the reaction is already making itself felt within the industry. This has given rise to justifiable dissension, which is bound to make itself felt within a short period. The very fact of the R.H.O. holding control over the industry until at least August, 1946, has caused trouble in the camp. What, then, do you expect will happen when the haulier is robbed of his livelihood by this act of piracy? If this is your interpretation of a free country, then heaven help us.
Consideration must surely be given to past and serving members of H.M. Forces who have been subjected to many years' regimentation and" red tape," and are looking forward to freedom from it all. Is this your idea of freedom, the freedom which they fought for?
The listener, I feel sure, derives much benefit from the regular radio feature, "Think on These Things." Why? Because the subject is understood by the adviser. Why not take a hint from this and be advised by those people who understand the•transport industry, people -who have served --•
in it all their lives and have given all they know to make it a success? Have they laboured in Amin to complete anessential artery in the country's industrial blood-stream?
Let me repeat! What do you expect to gain? Surely it cannot be greater efficiency than that which obtained .pre
control? If so, then you are obviously doomed to disappointment. You ask why? Haven't you investigated the performance of transport under the control of the R.H.O., or dare you not do so? If not, there is no necessity for you to delve into the statistical side of it; the shock of waste mileage and uneconomical operation alone might prove overwhelm ing.
Just give audience to a party of drivers who have served faithfully, but not unflinchingly (when they have studied some of their instructions), under the R.H.O. since its inception, It is certain that the information which you would glean from them would give you food for thought.
Talking about food, why is it that, for the whole of the war period and, in fact, at the present time, the shopkeeper can afford to show independence? Obviously because of rationing, or, in the case of unrationed goods, short supply; his customer has no freedom of choice. Compare this with the days of plenty and the promised post-war years of plenty (Government permitting). With the return of competition we can look forward also to the return of courtesy and efficiency.
Widespread Ill-effects
What of the other sections of the community which will feel the ill-effect of State control? There we have the manufacturer or the trader, who is to be relieved of his freedom. of choice in transport, unless you are looking to rail as a reasonable alternative. Have you ever realized that road transport is the vital link between him and his valued client? Is he to be relieved also of that vital link which not once, but repeatedly, has been the means for him obtaining an order, not merely from the economical angle, but from that of efficient service, obtainable on his own doorstep? Can you offer him the same efficiency with your national
transport? No, sir! Not with that which might be described as conscripted labour.
I cannot imagine any driver accepting a job in these circumstances if he had an alternative, but his case will be one of "When the devil drives." Nobody will, of course, expect that, like all Government Departments, the one controlling transport will consider the " masters " of the "obedient servants." Whereas the "private enterprise" driver considered the requirements of his employer's client, you cannot imagine this feeling to exist when he is operating under
Government control. • What of the result? The manufacturer awaits components from another part of the country to enable him to meet the orders of his client. He learns that these are " on the way" by national transport lorry; but where? I doubt whether anyone can tell him. He could contact the transport department's local office, when probably, after inquiring from three or four different people, he would still be completely in the dark, having, no doubt, been asked to register his complaint in writing.
Has it ever occurred to you that, during the period of your Party's campaigning, you were subjected to a good, clean, healthy competition? This you later admitted. Does not this fact mean or convey anything to you? What would have been your reactions had the members of the National Government had the power to retain their seats without the public being given its freedom of choice? Might I ask you why all the shopkeepers are not being incorporated into the Co-operative movement which is the "apple of the Socialist Government's eye "? Is it because the task is too great, or would it be nearer the mark for me to say that the people would not stand for it?
Good faith counts for everything. Let not your Gove.nment fail, therefore, in its responsibilities to a worthy and trusting people. There is still time to make amends.