Fraud on Employers Alleged
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ILLICIT transactions between long'distance drivers and garage proprietors are to be the subject of special investigation by the newly formed petrol retailers' section of Bolton Chamber of Trade.
The knowledge that, at certain other places, they can obtain receipts for a greater amount of petrol than they have actually received, is alleged to result in drivers not making purchases in the neighbourhood. The difference between the receipt figure and the price of the petrol supplied is stated to be divided between the garage proprietors and the men.
Having used this method to cover overhead charges, it is believed that the establishments concerned then proceed to attract the custom of owner-drivers and others by cutting the prices of proprietary brands, a policy that would be almost impossible for the ordinary concern, in view of the small margin of profit normally allowed on commercial
" Ours is the largest Chamber of Trade in the country," said Councillor Bleakley, who is behind the scheme, to a representative of The Commercial Motor, "and we are hoping that others
will follow suit with similar sections, when, by joint action with the petrol companies, we ought to be able to stamp out such evils."
"With recent improvements in wages and conditions, most men employed by A and B-licence holders are too keen on keeping their jobs to risk any such manipulation of fuel costs, even if they were among the few black sheep who would play that kind of trick," said one long-distance driver from the north. "The type of man who does this." he continued, "is the one who makes sure of getting a job by offering himself to the ancillary user at some ridiculous wage of a few shillings a week and then proceeds to level, things up by any means in his power."
It is understood that, where such manipulation occurs, it is commenced with a new or overhauled vehicle and is continued regularly, so far as possible, so that consistent figures are shown. Petrol-consumption complaints are believed, in many instances, to be traceable to this cause.
The whole matter was due to be considered yesterday (Thursday) at the first meeting Of the Bolton petrol retailers' section.