IMPORT CONTROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1940, Page 6

IMPORT CONTROL

POSITION IN SECOND HALF 5 OF YEAR NO GENERAL RELAXATION. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. Ajlthough some minor concessions have been made, no general relaxation of import restrictions is revealed in the licensing procedure for the fourth period, which covers the second six months of this year. Details were released today by the Minister of Finance (Mr Nash). Along with more than 300 other items, the importation of motor vehicles for this period is entirely prohibited. In an explanatory memorandum issued with the new schedules, the Minister points out. that the effect of the increased cost of essential goods overseas has macle any general relaxation difficult. He explained that the improvement in the position relating to sterling funds was due principally to the fact that under arrangements made for the sale of New Zealand products to Britain, credits have been received much earlier than usual. This meant that less would be received later in the year. "There is no doubt," said Mr Nash, "that all the funds at present available, as well as those still to be received iii respect of our exports for this season. will be required during the year to meet commitments overseas, and do not allow of any general relaxation of restrictions.”.

Imports of the following items are allowed in increased quantities—Cornflour. women’s stockings, carpets, linoleum. lace and ribbons, towels, dress and curtain nets, gum boots, hot water bags, rubber tyres, drinking glasses, pens, pencils and certain classes of chinaware and hardware.

MINISTER’S REVIEW WAR AFFECTS CONDITIONS. ALMOST TOTAL PROHIBITION 1 OF FOREIGN GOODS. WELLINGTON. This Day. In the course of a statement which he made this morning on releasing import licenses for the fourth licensing period the Minister of Customs (MT Nash) said that the whole position regarding imports this year had been affected by war conditions. In a large number of cases orders which had been placed with manufacturers in the United Kingdom early this year and in certain cases prior to the end of last year, and which normally would have been executed prior to the end of June next, will probably not be completed until much later in the year. The Government appreciates the difficulties being experienced in that connection and it accordingly has been decided, he said, to consider the position in relation to the imports for the whole year. Licenses for the third period (JanuaryJune. 1940) which normally would have expired on August 31 next, are to be regarded as extended until December 31. 1040, that is. they will be valid for the whole of 1940. This means the licenses both for the third and fourth periods will be regarded as covering lhe whole year, and goods will be admitted under licenses up to December 31, 1940. The Minister added, however, that it. was not proposed to permit importation under second period licenses after June 30 this year.

CONSERVATION GF FUNDS. The Minister stressed the necessity for the conservation of overseas funds and said that at the same time an endeavour was being made, insofar as funds would permit, to make some additional provision for certain classes of goods required by Hie community. Every endeavour was being made, said MT Nash, to ensure that adequate supplies were made available of essential goods required Io safeguard the health of lhe community as well as materials for industry, both primary and secondary. Mi' Nash said that arrangements were being made for the modification of the- procedure for dealing with applications and it was expected that those would have the effect of reducing to a minimum the time necessary, in reaching decisions thereon. Consideration had been given. added Mr Nash, to Hie question of granting licenses on condition that no cal] on Dominion overseas funds was necessary, or that remittance in payment for goods I would be deferred. It had been decided in the circumstances as a matter of I general policy to discontinue that procedure.

An examination of the schedules show that there is almost an entire prohibition on importation of goods from foreign countries, while there is a wide range of commodities and goods on which lhe total restriction applies to all countries. OF INTEREST TO THE HOUSEWIFE. Items of interest to housewives and

which are now prohibited from all sources include most vegetables ant. fruits, cocoa, coffee, chocolate, fruit juices in small containers. bacons, hams, biscuits and jams and jellies, preserves and meats potted or preserved. as well as matches and soap. There is no restriction on the importation of infants' and invalids' foods from the United Kingdom and Crown Colonies, but those are prohibited from other sources. In respect of tobacco the total prohibition applies to cigars, cut tobacco and cigarettes exceeding in weight 2Hb per thousand, but applications for unmanufactured tobacco are to be considered individually. The importation of ale. beer, stout, cider, etc. will not be permitted and a fifty per cent reduction is made in lhe applications to import spirits and wines. ON THE BANNED LIST. Apparel made to order, shirts pyjamas'. nightdresses, braces, belts and other articles of clothing arc on the banned list and the importation of umbrellas. fancy goods and toys, tennis rackets, golf clubs and football covers are also prohibited. Other goods to which total restriction applies are cameras. lawn mowers, wireless sots, electric irons, domestic gas cookers, electric cooking appliances and many kinds of paints.