CONTROL OF IMPORTS TO BE RETAINED

Chronicle (Levin), 17 May 1946, Page 5

CONTROL OF IMPORTS TO BE RETAINED

— -Press Association

By Telegraph—

AUCKLAND, May 16. Full control of imports would he retained in the meanwhile hy the Government hut licences for essential goods would he issued, stated the actingMinister of Customs, Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer, in a letter received at a meating of thfe Auckland Chamher of Commerce Council. Before determining the licensing hasis for an ensuing period, it was necessary, however, to consider what fttnds would be availahle. In spite of great etforts, the Government was behind in dealing with import licence applications, the letter continued, as many were heing issued for the 1946 period. As already announced hy Hon. W. Nash, ar. endeavour would he made to announce as early as possihle the licensing hasis for 1947 and for suhsequent periods. It was the policy to provide for essential goods and requirements hut when granting licences for less essential items, the increase in the costs of goods since the basic period, had to he considered in fixing allocations. It was not intended at present to make any exemptions from the licensing procedure and the appointment of a body to advise on import control was unnecessary, the letter said, in reply to a suggestion made hy the Associated jChamhers of Commerce. "We cannot carry on the business of this country under these handicaps. Importers find their applications for licences made on March 1 have not been dealt with yet owing to a shortaga of staff," said Mr. W. Hindle, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, who was visiting the Auckland Chamher. The council decided to ask the Associated Chambers to find out if import licensing in the postwar period was a breach of the 1939 White Paper whereby New Zealand was committed. not to exclude British goods from the Dominion.