Some Pointers on Government Haulage
Page 21
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THERE have been certain criticisms of the rates for hire put forward by the Ministry of War Transport. It must be remembered, however, that although the preliminary periods of the hire may be only three months', they will probably be extended to far longer periods where satisfaction is given, so that the rates may be taken as guaranteed for a considerable time,. The Ministry has not expressed any intention of modifying them, except where there are actual changes in cost—thus they • vecadd rise or fall with a corresponding alteration in the price of, say, fuel: It must be remembered also that the rates were agreed by the Road Haulage (Operations) Advisory Committee.
On the assumption that the rates would give a reasonable profit, it is the official view that higher rates wohld mean unreasonable returns: Apart from this, the scheme is at -present entirely voluntary; -those who .do not like the rates are tinder no compulsion to accept them. There is another point wlaich requires consideration. Some concerns are, at the moment, inclined to ignore the scheme because their vehicles afe already fully engaged, often in both directions, but much of this traffic may be that which will eventually come under the purview of the Ministry.
There have been inquiries as to the constitution of the Advisory Committee. Its members were, we understand, selected by the Ministry from nominations made by the Standing Joint Committee, so that here, again, the industry has had its say. Appointments to the areas are also likely to be nominated, in the first instance, through the Advisory Committee as the •central body, subject, of course, to Ministerial approval.
Mr. C. Barrington will, of course, remain at the Ministry as Chief Road Haulage Officer.