PRIORITY PERMITS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 70, 17 December 1918, Page 4

PRIORITY PERMITS

NO LONGER NECESSARY,

The Minister in charge of Munitions and Supplies (the Hon. A. M. Myers) has received advice from the Imperial authorities to the effect that in view of the relaxation of control formerly exercised over various materials, the Ministry of Munitions in ,tlie United Kingdom considers it no longer necesary for Mr. Myers to comment on indentor's orders, before they are sent to exporters in tha United Kingdom. This advice has been confirmed by a cablegram received from the High Commissioner, London, which reads as follows:—

"Immediately following the signing of the armistice restrictions on the export greatly relaxed, and many articles transferred from prohibited lists to free lists, and further relaxations may be expected from time to time as stocks of raw materials and the labour situation approach normal, lam informed 'b.y the Ministry of Munitions that need for certification of orders by local priority authorities no longer exists, as generally speaking manufacturers are at liberty to proceed without priority permits. lam desired to convey to you a very cordial expression of Mr. Churchill's thanks .for tlio most valuable assistance rendered by the Department and committee. May Ibe permitted to add that the success which has resulted from efforts was largely due to the highly efficient manner in which matters were conducted from your end? The volume of work lias been enormous and many difficult situations have frequently arisen, thereby greatly retarding my activities. Please accept my assurance that no effort has been spared-to safeguard New Zealand's interests. It will be necessary to continue operations here for some time to come to ensure that important machinery and materials for national and essential industries are suitably graded, and firms hero acting for New Zealand importers have been invited to bring to my notice any difficulties they experience,. and I am assured of co-operation of. the Ministry of Munitions in all such eases. Will be glad to receive advice of any matters of importance yon desire pressed." The Minister stated in regard' to the concluding part of this cablegram that if he could be of any assistance in this connection, he would be pleased to take action on receipt of particulars from parties concerned. It is interesting to note, said the Minister, that sinco the permit procedure has been in force 8100 application, reuresenting goods to tho value of ,£3,213,000, have been dealt with by the Department.