International Hauliers Meet in London

2nd October 1959, Page 54

2nd October 1959

Page 54

Page 54, 2nd October 1959 — International Hauliers Meet in London

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BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT THE hauliers' section of the International Road Transport Union (I.R.U.) met in London for the first time on Monday and Tuesday. Fourteen

nations were represented, including Poland and East Germany. Unfortunately, through illness, three British delegates to the meetings were unable to attend. They were Mr. I. Murly, chairman of the international hauliers' group of the Road Haulage Association, Mr. R. G. Crowther, a past national chairman, and Mr. R. Morton Mitchell, chief executive officer of the Association. The R.H.A. were represented by Mr. D. H. le Conte. secretary of the international hauliers' group.

Among subjects discussed were general transport policy, with particular reference to rates, greater freedom for road transport between countries, the problem of securing return loads, an international pallet pool, weights and dimensions of vehicles, international removals, the transport of perishable foodstuffs and the T.I.R. carnet.

Welcoming the delegates on Monday on behalf of Mr. Harold Watkinson, Minister of Transport, the Earl of Gosford said that although the United Kingdom's position as an island produced serious difficulties, the amount of transport between Britain and the Continent was steadily increasing. He welcomed the affiliation of British Road Services to 1.R.U.

The United Kingdom hoped shortly to ratify the International Road Transport Convention, which would draw this country into yet closer bonds with Continental countries, where a similar scheme had been operated for 10 years. The United Kingdom would continue to play her full part in discussions within 0.E.E.C. and the Conference of European Ministers of Transport to facilitate international traffic.

Mr. R. N. Ingram, national chairman of the R.H.A., speaking at an informal dinner given by the Association to delegates on Monday. said that the expansion of international road transport should be encouraged.

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