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Page 25
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A SIX-MAN Trades Union Congress delegation told the Inquiry that it is "totally and unanimously" opposed to any increase in lorry weights. The delegation was led by National Union of Railwaymen's Sid Weighell and Transport and General Workers Union's Jack Ashwell.
The latter said that many lorries were not, at present, being used sensibly or effectively. Consequently, most operators neither want nor need larger lorries.
The TUC's objections are mainly on the grounds of employment. It has already discussed proposed increases and received a reaction from Continental unions.
Heavier lorries would not, says TUC, improve working conditions and wages for drivers.
"There is no guarantee that costs are reduced with larger vehicles," commented Jack Ashwell. "Unless a vehicle has more to carry a driver can't be paid more," he said.
Even if facilities were better for drivers the TUC does not take the view that pay and conditions are the "be all and end all" if the move is unacceptable environmentally and from the point of view of energy.