IMPORT CONTROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 October 1940, Page 4

IMPORT CONTROL

STATEMENT BY MINISTER. THIRD AND FOURTH PERIOD LICENCES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The currency of third and fourth period import licences was referred to yesterday by the Minister of Customs, Mr Nash. He said that as already announced, it had been decided that the term of third and four period licences could not be extended beyond December 31 next. “In cases, however, where an importer has an allocation for the importation of similar goods during the fifth period, any goods ordered under third or fourth period licences which might come to hand after December 31 will be admissible as a charge against the fifth period allocation,” said the Minister. “In cases where the importer has no allocation for similar goods for the fifth period, he should take steps to ensure either that the goods are shipped in time to arrive before the end of the year, or that shipping is not made. “Inquiry has been made from me.” said Mr Nash, “whether it is proposed to fix a final date for shipment of goods from the United Kingdom for admission under third or fourth period licences. In view of the procedure outlined above, it is not proposed on this occasion to adopt that course, which it is felt would lead to difficulty and delay in clearing up licences. “Remittance authorities granted in respect of third and fourth period licences will not be valid for goods imported after December 31, but if the goods are admissible under fifth period licences, the authority to remit will be renewed on application being made in that regard to the Reserve Bank through the usual channels. It would be advisable, therefore, for importers to inform their suppliers as early as possible as to the position regarding orders already placed under third or fourth period licences.”