C.M.U.A. President on Post-war Planning
Page 22
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QPEAKING at the recent a.g.m. of the C.M.U.A., the President, Major R. A. B Smith, MC., said that it has taken 2i years for the seven national road transport associations to form a Federation with three constituent associations. During that time, such questions as concerned the present situation have been dealt with to the best of their ability by those who have shouldered responsibility on behalf of the members.
Other transport bodies in a more advanced stage for united action have not been idle as to the needs of their sections after the war. This can be regarded only as progressive and wise action. Nevertheless, the road-transport industry cannot afford to be left behind, nor be found without a programme of a constructive nature. Should this happen, the industry, and especially the haulage element, may find that decisions have been reached which will fundamentally affect their livelihood, and with small possibility of recovering lost ground.
The subjects requiring special consideration are:—(l) Taxation: The amounts the respective section should bear, how they should . be distributed and the purposes for which they should be taxed, also the effect on design and on the standard of living, together with the influence on the cost of goods for export. (2) Competition: The form the industry desires as between other means for transport and itself, whether closer ties are desirable between A, B and C licensees, and as between the railways and k and R hauliers.
(3) Closed Industry: Is this quite. satisfactory or does it require amending so that entry is either easier or even more tightened? How can the industry itself absorb operators who return from the war?
(4) Propaganda: The relations between the industry and Parliament, the public, its own members and kindred bodies. • (5) Road Facilities: Whether we require, in the same way as the railways, more adequate facilities at docks, large factories and aerodromes. The approaches necessary to avoid congestion; how to improve the main roads and the value of motor roads.
(6) Labour: Whether a system of mutual committees be feasible and whether any existing committees have become redundant; co-operative, steps which ran be taken -to raise the standard of means for all employees.'
It must be emphasiied that the back; ground of all planning improvements must, and will be, the return of busi• ness to private enterprise, under which a,!gis the close co-operation and understanding between employer and employee can best be fostered.