GOVERNMENT POLICY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 130, 1 March 1940, Page 4

GOVERNMENT POLICY

SCHEDULE "F" LICENSES > IMPORTERS HARRASSED Importers' difficulties have been further increased during the recent weeks owing to the failure of the Government to give decisions in respect of licenses included within Schedule "F." This schedule contains many essential lines, decision in respect of' which is at the discretion of the Minister. On the 26th January the Bureau of Importers despatched the following telegram to the Minister of Customs: "Many members seriously placed owing absence decisions in respect of items classified in Schedule "F" y, applications for which have to be considered by the Minister. When can importers expect relevant licenses. Refer your letter 18th jDecember applications to Collector of Cus toms unavailing apparently hold up Industries and Commerce Department. Please investigate and telegraph reply." His reply dated sth February, reads as follows: "Reference your telegram 26th January every effort being made expedite consideration applications" A further telegram has now been despatched to the Minister as follows: "Despite your telegram sth instant our members still unable secure licenses for Schedule "F" goods Rising prices overseas and availability third period licenses necessitate immediate action. Importers hope delay not part of considered policy to further embarrass tfyteHi. Please telegraph reply givingydefmite date when members cart" expect Schedule "F" decisions." The Bureau state that Third Period licenses are available only until August 31st, and the continued delay in respect of Schedule ■"** goods must only increase the existing shortage of supplies. Importers explain that rising prices overseas are aggravating the situation and the Government should have made decisions available weeks ago. The silence raises a doubt in importers* minds as to whether the lack of decisions is part of the considered policy of the Government.