IMPORT CONTROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1939, Page 8

IMPORT CONTROL

MINISTER AND TRADERS CONFER PROCEDURE IN DEALING WITH APPEALS NO TRIBUNAL PROPOSED IN MEANTIME. (By Telegraph—Press Association ) WELLINGTON, This Day. Answering questions today at the national conference called by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and the Mew Zealand Importers’ Federation, the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) said there had been no unnecessary delay in dealing with appeals. It would expedite procedure if appeals were lodged in duplicate with the Collector of Customs who issued the licence. He did not intend to set up any tribunal in connection with the hearing of appeals in the meantime. Replying to a question whether the Government would allow the. importation of goods ordered prior to December 5 without deduction from the quota. Mr Nash said that if undue Hardship and injustice were likely to follow, particular cases would be taken into account. The Government would allow the transfer of any licence from a foreign country to an Empire country, from one foreign country to another foreign country, or an Empire country to an Empire country or an Empire country to the United Kingdom, as long as the Government was satisfied that an endeavour was not being made to circumvent the main objectives of the import regulations. Favourable consideration would generally be given to applications to aggregate small permits, to meet the objection that the system would result in a large number of permits that are too small for importers to make use of them. Provided that samples were not brought in for the purpose of getting the goods in, the Government would facilitate the arrival of bona fide samples.. Special licences may be applied for m respect of special contracts for approved capital works and these generally would be facilitated, as the Government wished to see capital works expand, particularly in the manufacturing industries. It was the intention of the Government to permit importations of raw materials for conversion into manufactured goods to the maximum extent possible. Mr Myers remarked that what was raw material for one industry was often finished material for another industry. The Minister agreed, mentioning serge required by the clothing industry. The Government would always take into account what it was endeavouring to do with the manufacturing industries of New Zealand. In the event of damage or non-de-livery of goods ordered under licence, an increase in licence would generally be agreed to. In this connection Mr Nash mentioned that the goods destroyed by fire on the Rimutaka and said ne would arrange for licences to be issued in that regard. He knew of no cases in which Customs officers ~u refused heerjees for goods ordered in good faith and prior to the regulations coming into force, but would look into any case reported. Mr Nash said the Government hoped that any persons or firms unable to continue in business or employment as a result of the operation of the import control regulations would take advantage of “picking up” some agency for New Zealand goods.

He promised that favourable consideration would be given to applications for licences for spare parts to service existing plant and machinery already in use. Mr Nash said the Government would also give special consideration to the case of imported bottles or other containers which could not be manufactured in New Zealand. He added that these cases would be equivalent to the position relating to raw materials. At the conclusion of Mr Nash’s answers. Mr Myers said he had no fixed and determined political views. He had related reported cases of hardship under the import regulations purely as his duty as chairman, and he asked the minister to accept the explanation. Mr Nash later answered further supplementary questions. The conference was adjourned.