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RHA Attacks Minister's Inquiry

7th May 1965, Page 56
7th May 1965
Page 56
Page 56, 7th May 1965 — RHA Attacks Minister's Inquiry
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

ASTRONG attack on the Minister of Transport's inquiry into inland transport is made in the Road Haulage Association's annual report, published this week, which will be presented to the annual general meeting next Wednesday.

In an article signed jointly by Mr. A. R. Butt (chairman) and Mr. G. K. Newman (secretary-general), the RHA states: "The Minister's method of inquiring into inland transport—a subject entirely new to him —is inadequate. It is unreasonable to expect Lord Hinton, even with the expert advice of transport associations and others, to prepare in a few months a satisfactory comprehensive plan of coordination that may determine the pattern of inland transport for years to come."

Criticizing the Minister's intention not to publish Lord Hinton's recommendations, the RHA says: "The Possibility of mistake would be much reduced if the whole subject were investigated by an expert committee which would publish its recommendations and its reasons for them."

One of the reasons the Minister gave for Lord Hinton's appointment was failure of negotiations for voluntary collaboration. 'This conclusion was hasty, ill-informed and unfair," says the RHA. Much greater progress would have been made by the RHA. British Road Services and British Railways but for difficulties that were not of the making of any of the three parties.

Giving instances of fruitful co-operation the RHA says: "All this, however, assumes that the Government will not wantonly destroy the schemes of voluntary co-operation that are being patiently worked out for the benefit of trade and industry, as well as for the providers of transport. Therein lies the uncertainty that is causing anxiety to road and rail alike."

Membership of the RHA was 17,519 at the end of 1964—the highest since the formation of the association. The balance on the general fund at the end of last year was £249,217 (£216,734 at January 1, 1964). Total reserves now amount to £307,299.

Publicity expenditure last year was £36,928 (£l8,487 in 1963). There was no balance remaining in the publicity fund at the end of last year; during the year the association had to make a contribution to the fund of £10,643.

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Organisations: Road Haulage Association

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