GRANTING IMPORT LICENCES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23002, 23 April 1940, Page 8

GRANTING IMPORT LICENCES

NEW PROCEDURE FOR FOURTH PERIOD POSSIBLE CHANGE TO YEARLY BASIS (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, April 22, A new procedure intended to expedite the issue of import licences would operate for the fourth period, said the Minister for Customs (the Hon. W. Nash) in an interview this evening. This step, he said, had followed a conference in February and subsequent correspondence and discussion with the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce about the issue of special licences. Investigations were also under way to determine the position of importers holding licences to import on no-remittance basis, where such licences were issued before the gazetting of the Finance Emergency Regulations. Steps had also been taken, the Minister added, to enable licences to be issued on a yearly basis, although difficulties caused by the war might make this procedure impracticable. If these difficulties could be overcome, and it was found practicable to grant licences on this basis, this procedure would operate for 1941. In the course of discussion and correspondence with the Associated Chambers, continued Mr Nash, other recommendations and suggestions designed to facilitate the working of the machinery of import control had been submitted for his consideration. Although there were reasons which prevented the Government from giving full effect to all the representations made, he appreciated the helpful spirit in -which the executive of the Associated Chambers had presented their case.