SPECIAL CASES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20732, 16 February 1939, Page 10

SPECIAL CASES

/MORE IMPORT LICENSES SECOND 6-MONTHLY PERIOD QUESTION OF ESSENTIAL GOODS (By Telegrapn.—Pres* Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Some Import licenses for the Importation of goods during the second six months period have been Issued by the Customs Department, but it is made clear by the Minister of Finance and Customs, the Hon. W. Nash, that only In very few special cases had this been done. “There are cases where it has been necessary to issue licenses for the second period where, the effect of the regulations on agents and travellers now taking orders is considered,’’ said Mr Nash, “but it has been done only in special cases to help men booking orders for goods for delivery in ihe second period. It will be some time in March before the Government has decided the general policy in respect of the second period.’’ Commenting on the fact that there has been some relaxation of the restrictions on books, Mr Nash said the idea behind the importation of reading matter was to place no barrier between the public and what they wanted to read. “Bad" books, of course, were still restricted. “We may have to give some thought to the importation of supplies of essential goods,” added the Minister. “That is being considered now." He added that the Government would define what essential goods were. GOODS FOR GOVERNMENT SEPARATE APPLICATIONS MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT . (By Telegram.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Thursday With a view to facilitating the issue of licenses in respect of goods imported by merchants and private contractors for supply to Government departments or for use in Government contracts it has been decided, said the Minister of Customs, the lion. W. Nash, to-day to modify the procedure in connection with the applications for licenses.

In makinar applications in respect of the first, licensing - period merchants and private contractors included in the value of I heir imports during the corresponding period of 1938 the value of imports of goods supplied to the Government as well as imports for ordinary business purposes and the licenses had been issued accordingly, it is considered preferable in order to avoid any difficulties which might a-ise that so far as import licenses are concerned goods imported for supply lo the Government should be made subject of separate applications. Books and Medicines In the future it will accordingly be necessary for importers to show the value of goods imported in 1938, ex•luding the value of goods supplied iovornment departments, such la'ter ..due being shown separately. Ordinary licenses will be issued on the basis • f the former value. Separate applications should be made from time lo time in respect of goods specially imported for supply to the Government or in replacement goods supplied from ordinary stocks. The Minister also staled it had been incorrectly reported that no licences were required for the importation of books and medicines. Licenses were required for ail commercial products but there were no restrictions on books and medicines.