Threats action CUTIHHTLICE have brought out a new issue of their campaign broadsheet in response to the renewed threats from BR management. The broadsheet points in particular to the first attempts at closure massive underinvestment in rail in Britain compared to any similar country.
In a situation where tain is going in the opposite direction. While investment m rail went up by about 22 per The following table reveals the picture:
RAILWAY INVESTMENT IN 1980 (outside the USA)
West Germany £1,219m South Africa 786m 740m Nigeria 534m Italy 476m Belgium India 370m Spain 355m Britain 316m FT 30 June 80 The starvation of funds from BR is leading to collapse in the amount of freight carried by rail The effect has been dramatic. In 1953, 42 per cent of freight went abi, toda er cent! This also reflect a big drop in the overal tonnage of freight carriec by rail, This is the reverse of the overall trend even in Europe alone.
While the government plans to privatise and run down rail, the West German SOCH maintenance and track alone - more than Britain's entire expen. diture on rail.
Report The Horwich Action Committee have also ob tained copies of a report by Thatcher's Think Tank — the Centre Policy Studies which seriously looks at substantial further down of rail and turning disused track to roads If Thatcher can't sell off rail quickl cnough hen this is a good alte native for private industry. Road haulage companie have already increaser their profits the reduced rail facilities. Tha serves the interests of the vehicle muracturers d well.
And that would deal with the problems of the rail unions as well- after roads don't go on strike!
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ARERERTICES WHAT? FUTURE