Cotton Spinners Want Road Transport
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THE railway companies' application I for increased freight charges was discussed at a meeting of the general committee of the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' Associations, in Manchester, last week.
Strong opposition has been advanced to the railways' application, and a report on the position was approved
by the meeting: The report states that, at the present time, 75 per cent. of raw cotton is conveyed by road.A slightly higher proportion of yarn traffic passing between the spinning and weaving centres is also carried by road.
Any increase in railway rates would probably divert still further business to the road. This point is, however, fully appreciated by the railway companies, and at a hearing by the Rates Tribunal it was clearly stated that they proposed to continue granting exceptional rates for certain traffic. In Lancashire, the report continues, difficulty is being experienced in obtaining adequate road transport, and efforts must he made to secure the means for transport best suited to the needs of the industry.
It is pointed out that the 5-per-cent. increase in rates would also be applied to the conveyance of coal by sail. Additional charges in this direction would 'further handicap the cotton industry.
The report suggests that increased use of road transport might effect a saving, but the severe limitation of licences for coal haulage by road has prevented expansion of this means for transport.
In conclusion, it is stated that strong efforts must be made, if. railway charged be increased, to widen the scope of operation of road transport, as being in the best interests of the 'trade generally,