ESSENTIAL GOODS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 48, 26 February 1941, Page 9

ESSENTIAL GOODS.

NEEDS OF IMPORTERS.

SPECIAL CONCESSION MADE.

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day.

In a letter to the Associated Chambers of Commerce, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, says that, while no extension can be given to third and fourth period import licenses, the Government will give consideration to applications fer additional licenses for supplies required f v >r most essential needs from importers, whose normal fifth period allocations of essential goods have been reduced.

No departure has been made from thi procedure, as originally announced, tha third and fourth period licenses will b< valid for imports up to December 31 1940, only, and that goods which arrive) after that date will be chargcabli against fifth period licenses. With i view, however, to assisting in ineetin; the difficulties surrounding shipment from the United Kingdom (although i concession was applied to shipment* from all countries) a special concessioi has been made with respect to goodi which were shipped or at the docks bi November 23, awaiting shipment, am which did not reach New /iealaiul bi December 31. In such caees, if th< importer had no fifth period allocratioi I within whieh the goods could be entered I he will be granted a special fifth perioc | license for the purpose. To the exten that an importer's normal fifth perio( allocation for essential goods has beei reduced by this procedure, and furthe supplies are required to meet essentia needs, consideration will be given t< applications in that regard, added Mr Nash. Preference would be given t< such applications (that is from importer who have surrendered their 194< licenses) in granting additional license: for that class of goods. Licenses will in any case, be issued for all essentia requirements under present conditions However, it is imperative to confinc imports and consumption to absolute essentials. This is the policy the United Kingdom desires and circumstances demand it of all members of the British Commonwealth in the interests of the war effort. While the procedure regarding the termination of third and fourth period licenses may have created difficulties in certain instances, it is felt that, in general, the position has been met by the courses taken, and which circumstances have necessitated.