SECRECY AND CONFUSION.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 January 1939, Page 4

SECRECY AND CONFUSION.

JT is rallfer soon lo form opinions on Lite total merits anti possibilities of the policy of import regiilation now enforced in this country. Grounds appear to exist, however, lor the complaints that tire being imide freely by importers and traders that official secrecy in regard io tin* working - principles and standards adopted is creating conditions of most undesirable and damaging confusion. If a policy of regulation is to operate smoothly and effectively, it, must be developed in conditions of understanding and co-operation. .It is complained meantime, however, that all information as to the standards adopted is withheld and the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce is actually promoting a proposal that importers and traders should endeavour to ascertain these standards by pooling for general information particulars of the treatment of applications. As a means of averting confusion and promoting smooth working, the Government surely should be more than willing to make full information on this subject freely, available. Ivven il completely perfected standards cannot be devised out <>f hand, manv essential details must have been determined bclore t h<* scheme could be put into operation and a frank disclosure ol these details surely would be in the interests ol all concerned. According to the Prime Minister, control of external trade does not mean that we are going to have less of it. “We want to expand trade,” Mr Savage says, “and we want the people of Ihis country Io help us.” In that case an end surely might fo be made forthwith of the policy of secrecy where import regulation is concerned.