I will show you something different
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IN HIS report of the RHA conference (CM December 3, page 18) Mike Rutherford says of the attendance by my former DTp colleagues Andrew Lyall and Steve Reeves "Rarely, if ever, will the people from the industry get the chance to influence those who are implementing legislation. But delegates at the Marbella conference had that opportunity and, it is hoped, will see Officials like Mr Lyall and Mr Reeves in future annual conferences."
There have been many occasions when senior DTp officials have attended RHA and ETA National Conferences and other gatherings, such as Tipcon, even when these have been held in less exotic spots than Marbella. During my 12 years heading the DTp's Road Freight Division I must have attended dozens of such gatherings. I welcomed the opportunity to meet a wide section of the industry, and I know, too, that most of my colleagues shared this attitude.
Of course, the need for civil servants to avoid political controversy can give rise to difficulties. There was one unfortunate case some years ago involving the heavier lorry proposals, and this sort of thing leads to some reluctance on the part of a few officials to open their mouths in public. But in general they welcome the opportunity both to explain what they are doing, and to learn at first hand the effect their actions will have on the industry. I certainly did, and I hope that the legislation which it was my duty to administer benefited from this.
So I think that Mike Rutherford can be sure that DTp officials will be happy to continue to attend future conferences, if invited. REG DAWSON West London