Future of Government Road Haulage
Page 35
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Some Reasons Why the. Working of the Scheme Has Aroused so Much Protest and Necessitated Some Form of Inquiry by a Road Transport Authority
THERE is abundant evidence that the storm of protests and complaints regarding the Government Haulage Scheme has not abated in the slightest degree. On the contrary it has continued to develop in volume and strength, as is instanced by the daily Press in the reports which have appeared respecting the adjourned annual meeting of the A.R.O. held on August 26. It is clear—by the way—that the representatives of the Press, both trade and national, somewhat resented the treatment meted out to them on that occasion, when —from the published reports—it would seem that the proceedings certainly lacked dignity. It should be remembered that the road-transport Press is, virtually, an essential part of the industry. Maybe A.R.O. members present were so carried away by intensity of feeling that with some measure of justification they can plead extenuating circumstances.
Whatever the disagreement or dissatisfaction concerning domestic matters, it is apparent that there was little diversity of opinion respecting the principal item on the agenda, viz., the Government Scheme. It would seem that the members were practically unanimous in voicing their protests and in demanding that the Scheme be scrapped. In thisconnection the essence of the resolution carried was contained in the words: "The Scheme has proved itself uneconomic and is not operating in the interests of the Nation," and the meeting requested that a return should be made to the status quo.
What are the causes which produced such a chorus of protests? In the main, perhaps, they could be enumerated under the folldwing headings:— (1) The promised partnership has not materialized.
(2) Some vehicles are idle because operators have lost to the chartered fleet traffics which previously
they had carried for years. .
A proportion of the vehicles in the chartered fleet are running with small or part loads and, therefore, are not operating economically.
(4) Vehicles in the Meat Pool are competing in the open market for traffics other than meat. There may, of course, be other reasons affecting par-. ticular areas; but it seems more than likely that those indicated are responsible for a large measure of the • dissatisfaction. To any such charges there appears, so ' far, to have been no official disclaimer.
A Report From an Eminent , Investigator Is Awaited With Interest
It was announced quite recently that the M. of W.T. has decided upon an investigation concerning the working of the Scheme and has appointed Sir J. F. Heaton to undertake the task. . Admittedly the solution is a happy one, for Sir Frederick is an acknowledged authority in the transport world and has wide experience. Therefore, the industry can feel assured that the forthcoming inquiry, will be thorough and that any report submitted will be fair. It is greatly to be hoped that the matter will be regarded as one of urgency and that there will be no unnecessary delay in the .publishing of the completed report.
In the past, on several occasions, the Ministry has seemed rather to invite criticism because it has failed to put all the cards fairly and squarely on the table when dealing with the industry. Fortunately this failing does pot appertain in other Government Departments to the same extent. If, as a result of the present " storm," the future relationship between the M. of W.T. and the industry be based upon frank co-operation, very much will have been accomplished. Most certainly nothing will be lost thereby.
It is possible that in some quarters criticism of the Scheme may have been considered unfair and prejudicial. But is this the case? When the Scheme was launched originally it had strong support from " The Commercial Motor,"" S.T.R." and the writer. The view held was that the principle of the Scheme being sound, it afforded the industry an opportunity of making an organized contribution to the war effort with guaranteed traffics, rates and payment for work completed. It is safe to compute that had these hopes materialized few serious complaints would have been heard. But instead of consolidation with the resultant satisfaction there has developed the present outbursts of hostile criticism. This, indeed, is a sad and sorry situation in the third year of war. One question which is asked repeatedly is : to what extent must the accredited leaders of industry accept responsibility.
Leaders Who Become Civil Servants Lose Their Power to Criticise Undoubtedly one weakness of the Scheme is the method of control. On assuming office the individuals appointed from the industry automatically became civil servants and, as such, are subject to official policy and procedure'. Therefore they are circumsCrIbed so far as freedom of action is concerned.
The Livestock Section of the Meat Pool provides an outstanding example of what can be accomplished successfully when the officers responsible for organization and operation retain their individuality and independence. Unquestionably, the Livestock Scheme owes its success to this governing factor. This aspect might be borne in mind in the event of any future reorgatiization of the Government Scheme.
Reflecting upon the general position of the industry to-day, it is essential that an adequate measure of publicity and attention be accorded to the proposals of the S.J.C. for the reorganization of the industry. From every point of view, unquestionably this matter is one of paramount importance. ' Some statement is eagerly awaited as to, the progress—if any—which has been made. If it be that the S.J.C. is not in a position to report any. such progress a report should be made to this effect. Then it would be clear to the industry as to whether deliberate obstruction exists and whether the game of association politics is still being played.
The position is serious, for disintegration of the industry is apparent. The annual meeting of the A.R.O. points the way in clearly indicating the power of the rank and file when concerted action is taken. If, then, the members of the respective associations approve the proposals of the S.J.C. their duty is clear. Let it be remembered, however, that power should be controlled by sound judgment and not dominated by prejudices and self-interest.