IMPORT LICENCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 February 1939, Page 5

IMPORT LICENCES

INFORMATION REFUSED ACCORDING TO AUSTRALIAN COMMISSIONER. REPORT TO DEPARTMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. CANBERRA, February 13. The New Zealand Government declines to give any information concerning the basis on which import licences are to be allocated under the new trade policy. This statement appears in a report received by the Department of Commerce from the Australian Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, Mr Critchley. The New Zealand Government points out that it is impossible to estimate the total value by which imports from Australia will be reduced in the next year. Consideration will be given to the issuance yearly, instead of half yearly, of licences if the new regulations are to be retained in 1940. Mi* Critchley hopes to be able to give all details affecting Australian exporters in a personal report to the Minister of Commerce shortly. POTATO EMBARGO PRESSURE FOR REMOVAL. CANBERRA, February 13. The famine prices of potatoes in Australia are responsible for renewed demands on the Commonwealth Government to remove the embargo on New Zealand potatoes. Pressure is so strong that an announcement on the subject can be expected within a few days. BAN DEFENDED. ACTION BY TASMANIAN GROWERS. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The “Daily ■ Telegraph” says Tasmanian growers are pressing the Federal Government to retain the embargo on New Zealand potatoes. This was stated in Federal political circles yesterday. The move follows the agitation for removal of the ban because record potato prices in Sydney have made them unprocurable by the average family.