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5th November 1998
Page 8
Page 8, 5th November 1998 — COMMENT
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SPEAKING OUT ON FUEL DUTY

hen lots of individually small voices sing out together they're bound to get more attention than any one of them would separately. But when great booming voices join the choir the music takes on new depth. So it's good to see Edward Stobart getting his two ha'p'orth in about fuel duty. The fact that he is usually so quiet on the issues facing the industry, and the fact that he regards his own comments this time around as being on behalf of fellow hauliers, both underline the gravity of the situation facing the haulage sector. If Stobart says there's a problem—then a problem there surely is. And who knows? Given his respected status as one of the most influential homegrown hauliers in Britain, he might just help tip the balance. Certainly, Government policy-makers can only conclude that if the normally reticent Mr Stobart is now making a fuss, things must truly be bad. And while he hasn't directly specified what has led him to make these comments, his statement that contracts are always up for review may hold a few clues. Whatever his reasons! CM applauds his decision to speak out and would encourage a few more key players to do the same to help to keep the issue of fuel duly at the top of the political agenda.

have might not • Small businesses hit by late payment now some semblance of support from the law. It be terribly tactful to apply the legally enforceable 8% over base rate to late payments from customers they hope to retain, but their right to do so is now indisputable. If nothing else it might make late payers think twice before exceeding the statutory 30-day limit. Given that cashflow is so often the last push that sends hauliers over the edge, the new legislation is welcome support indeed.

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