Federal status for EEC?
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for its initiative in this matter. The carnet would provide a single transit document throughout Europe for occasional services (covering virtually all British activities). Unfortunately, there was still doubt whether the French Government would accept it, until a wider level of agreement had been reached regarding liberalization and control documents for international services.
The passenger section has also made satisfactory progress with the draft Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Passengers and Luggage by Road (CVR). The draft will receive official consideration by the ECE at a special meeting of its road transport committee in July, but it has been the subject of discussions since first promoted by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, in the Fifties. Over the years, the draft has been much improved and, if the latest proposals submitted by IRU to the ECE are accepted, it will be satisfactory to operators.
Coach timetable
The IRU's Timetable of Regular International Coach Services was distributed in April. Earlier publication was hindered by the late issue of Government authorizations for many services and, in future, it might be necessary to anticipate renewal of licences, to achieve circulation at the time required by travel agents.
In the field of public relations, IRU has continued to be active, building on the contacts already established. Two new booklets are being produced: one on weight and size of vehicles and one on pollution. The French version of the latter was ready in time for the World Health Organization's Copenhagen conference on pollution. An English version is to follow shortly.
A more direct benefit to lorry drivers will be the Goods AM! Service, due to commence in 1972. This, following the existing passenger service, is to provide assistance facilities for drivers if they should break down or experience any other emergency when travelling abroad.
It was reported that IRU had been in contact with the International Bureau of Social Tourism, which was seeking the help of coach operators in its drive to facilitate tourism for young people—this would enable operators to explain their difficulties and, in particular, reference would be made to the German passenger /kilometre tax.
Being IRU's annual meeting, time had to be devoted to administrative matters and it was noted that the accounts showed a satisfactory position. The next meetings were arranged to be held from November 8 to 10 in Munich, to include a preview of arrangements for the Olympic Games. The next Congress—the biennial showpiece at which IRU seeks to publicize its work, its achievements and, even more important, the future needs of road transport—will be held at Estoril, Portugal, May 15-18, 1972.