Interworking N ot Widespread
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INTERWORKING by hauliers during 1 the fuel emergency had not been undertaken widely, Mr. R. G. Crowther, national chairman of the Road Haulage Association, confessed at the annual dinner a the Western Area in Bristol last night. It was, however, particu-lady well arranged in the Western Area. Contact points had been established, so that return traffic could be dealt with promptly and efficiently.
Mr. Crowther admitted that at times clearing houses and long-distance hauliers sub-contracting traffic might find themselves apparently in competition. Nevertheless, the clearing houses within the 127H.A. did notocover every locality throughout the country and it was impossible to establish a complete network of services through them. It n?. was, therefore, important that clearing houses and long-distance hauliers should be jointly organized so that they could compete with the railways and British Road Services. • If the railways resorted to a rate war, long-distance hauliers might for a short time be placed in serious difficulties.
" In the long run,. I have no doubt that the long-distance Operators can meet the ,challenge of fair competition," Mr. Crowther added.
He hoped that the Government would not try to maintain fuel rationing under false conditions merely, to preserve the extra Is. a gallon tax, The Association had already made representations for the removal of this impost and for a general reduction in the high level of fuel tax.