WITH the November budget came a nice little bonus for the haulage bosses; in fact, it was reported on TV that they would amass £750 per lorry from the tax amendments. I wonder how that will be split up?

The supermarkets will refuse to discuss a rate increase with the hauliers who deliver the products to them and in some cases, for them, this coming January. Well, that may not be so bad. After all, it would help to hold prices at the counter, although it will start to erode any benefit the haulier has gained.

The shareholders will probably be offered a free share issue, though why anyone would want to invest in a transport company is beyond me. The boss will be able to upgrade his offices, his warehouses, his company car, his business trips. His income will probably rise by 12 per cent.

What will the lorry driver receive from all this? Well, I dare say the driver will be hard pushed to raise his income up to £5 per hour and his weekly hours will still reach close on 70. But then, that is the only way we can compete or so we are constantly told.

TONY WIGLEY