MANCHESTER TiRIVERS OPPOSE DUTY CHANGES
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STRONG opposition to various duty changes was voiced at an unofficial igtest meeting held by certain Monster Corporation drivers on Sunday last, states a special correspondent of "The Commercial Motor."
Following the introduction of the 44-hour week working was expected by the men to continue on normal lines, with four hours overtime being paid for the excess period. However, they agreed by ballot to work an 11-day fortnight of 88 hours with rotating shifts.
At this time a certain amount of wastage in the arrangement of duties was eliminated. This has meant that many long-service drivers who have been working particular routes for considerable periods have found themselves taking turns on all duties in The same way as newcomers.
Demands are stated to have been expressed for a return to the old system, which would mean that the senior drivers would regain their privileged position of working more or less permanent routes and that payment of overtime to bring working time up to 48 hours weekly might be necessary. The meeting appeared. not to be sponsored by any union organization. Strike action, it is stated, is not contemplated_ LIMITING MODELS IN CAR FIELD
AT a meeting on August 28 between the Minister of Supply, Mr. Mtn Wilmot, M.P., and representatives of the motorcar industry, the Minister said that the cutting off of the basic petrol ration meant that only those needing cars for essential purposes would require new ones. He emphasized that there must be a much greater degree of standardization and a speeding-up of the process of reducing the number of models.
The number of concerns continuing to manufacture cars must be limited to those which produced vehicles with a ready sale abroad.
Amongst the representatives from the motor industry present were Mr. R. Gresham-Cooke, director, S.M.M.T.; Sir Reginald Rootes, Colonel A. C. R. Waite, Sir Charles Bartlett, Sir John Black, Sir Patrick Hennessy, Mr. C. Holly. Mr. H. A. Ryder, Sir Peter Bennett and Mr. Oliver Lucas.
FUEL PRICE INCREASES AFTER an examination of the position concerning world prices of liquid fuel, made by the Ministry of Fuel and Power in consultation with the Petroleum Board, new prices for Britain took effect from September 1. Motor spirit is increased by Id. per gallon, making the ex-pump price in England, Wales and South Scotland 2s. lid. per gallon, and the wholesale price Is. 10d.; oil fuel for road vehicles is increased by lid, per gallon, white spirit by ld. per gallon. Paraffin and vaporizing oil will be unaltered in price in view of the removal of the duty of id. per gallon which took place on September 1. Gas oil is increased by lid, per gallon.
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