IMPORT LICENCES

Chronicle (Levin), 8 July 1946, Page 8

IMPORT LICENCES

A statement regarding the basis on whieh import licenees were to l)e grant ed for the 1947 licensing period was made yesterday by the Acting-Ministei of Customs (Mr. A. H. Nordmeyer). The Minister said that the •ciesirabil ity of making the position known a. early as possible with a view to alfordLng importers an opportunity to plact. their orders overseas has been full\ recognised by the Government, auct special efforts had accordinglv beeu made in that direction. It had been deeided that in general the basic allocations fixed for 1946 would eontinue for 1947, subject to certain modificatious. In the ease of certain foodstuffs, howev'er, it had been necessarv to defer fixing nllocatious, pending advice as to the cjuotas to be made available through the Conibined Food Board. It had been found possible to provide for a numbei of relaxations. At the same time, the allocations fixed in respect of certain items should facilitate the issue of licenees, for example, where a number of sub-headings were regrouped in the main item. It was proposed also to allow the grouping of allocations for certain items. 'Items such as rivets, washefs, screws for wood, and coil springs miglvt be grouped with the general headi-ng of builders' hard-ware. "The neeessity to exercise care over the expenditure of overseas fuiuN. having in mind the huge demands now being made on them for essential goods of many classes, will, I think, be patent to all,'"' said Mr. Nordnieyer. "Nevertheless, the Government will be anxious

to ensure that all essential needs are adequately provided for and the provision now being made should ensure this, subjeet to the goods being available for proeurement overseas. "Licenees granted for the 1947 period will be available also for the entrv of any shipments which might arrive in New Zealand before the end of 1946. Importers should not lose sight of the fact, however, that the allocation is intended to eover requirements until the end of 1947, and they should aceordingly not count on further licenees before next period. "Although some improvement is shown in the shipping position, it has been deeided, in view of delays still being experienced in the execution of orders for certain goods, to grant a (gAue.ral, extems\onfof-.l(946 iieen'ebs until M-irM'.rW; 5 -in /fespeCt pf *• firm orders placed and accepted 'overseas before November 1, 1946."