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UNITY ESSENTIAL
Page 90
Page 91
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ONE of the most pressing needs of the industry is unity. There is a regrettable division of opinion and action betweenthe independent and railway-associated concerns, although their interests are largely mutual.
An outstanding example of apathy is afforded by the National Road Passenger Transport Week, which was to have been staged last May by the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association, and which would have focused much-needed public attention on the industry throughout the country.
It was necessary to raise 21,250 to carry the plan into effect, whilst 2.5,000 was needed to stage the event in a manner commensurate with the size and dignity of the industry. Over 6.000 operators succeeded in subscribing rather less than 2100 towards the fund, and the arrangements had to be cancelled within a month of the scheduled date of the commencement of the campaign. Calls for co-operation have been sounded on many occasions, but, perhaps. never so loudly as at the successfulfirst conference of independent coach and bus owners, which was held by -the M.H.C.S.A., at Blackpool, in October last. As a result of this event, a deputation is to wait upon the Minister of Transport to put forward the grievances of all classes of Operator. On several previous occasions the. combine and independent sides of the industry have made joint deputations to the Minister, from which useful re-' sults have been obtained, whilst both interests are represented on the Regional Fares Committee. Otherwise, they remain aloof and even antagonistic.
As Lord Howe, chairman of the British Road Federation, recently re commercial-vehicle industry, have the ear of the Government.
With the aid of so influential a member of the Upper House as Lord Howe, and with the genuine support of every operator in the country, the roadtransport industry could wield a vital force in the determination of Govern3flent The amalgamation of the M.H.C.S.A. with the Commercial Motor Users Association and the Road Haulage Association has often been talked of, and the benefits to be derived from such a step are obvious. Many recent developments in road passenger transport emphasize the urgent necessity of a united, fighting front, which, we trust, will be formed before pro-railway bias becomes permanent in politicians.