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Haulage inquiry urged for Scotland
Page 25
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EMPLOYMENT Secretary Mr Michael Foot is being urged to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the conditions of employment in the road haulage industry in Scotland.
Mr Tarn Dalyell, Labour MP for West Lothian and chairman of the Scottish Group of Labour MPs, is putting forward the proposal in a Commons Question following discussions with drivers involved in the recent strike.
With one strike virtually settled. Mr Dalyell believes it is vital that the whole question of Scottish drivers' pay and conditions should be investigated to prevent further disruptions of industry north of the Border.
"We cannot now just sit back and forget about it." said Mr Dalyell.
One of the major grumbles of the Scottish haulage drivers is on the question of mileage, he says. "The Scottish drivers say they cannot do the same mileage in the same time as English drivers because there is very much less motorway.
"They are also concerned about being expected to do long journeys substantially over the 270-mile limit," Mr Dalyell said.
Some drivers, Mr Dalyell claimed, are expected to do 420-mile trips in 24 hours.
"A lot of this boils down to competitive rates," he said.
But the drivers are concerned about the great strain involved in these journeys and the high mortality rate. "All these grievances need to be thoroughly gone into," said Mr Dalyell.
Although he is asking for a formal Commission to be established, Mr Dayell will probably be satisfied if Mr Foot agrees to an informal probe by his departmental officials.