AMERICAN CAR IMPORTS

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28104, 20 October 1956, Page 10

AMERICAN CAR IMPORTS

Government Policy Explained MINISTER REPLIES TO “ THE PRESS ”

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, October 19.

The justification for spending United States dollars on cars from North America was the Government’s general policy to free up trade wherever possible, said the Minister of Customs (Mr E. H. Halstead) today. Mr Halstead was replying to “The Press,’’ which had sought “the justification for the reversal of policy” apparently shown when special conditions required to possess the cars were abandoned, and when it was understood that the special conditions had been the justification for the spending of New Zealand dollar funds.

“The provision regulating the resale of these vehicles within two years from their original purchase has been retained to avoid black-market dea’ings.” said Mr Halstead. "The conditions which have now been discontinued are those which provided a guide to the importing companies in the distribution of these cars among their many applicants. “The action taken is in line with the Government’s general policy to free up trade wherever possible. When North American cars were brought into this country after the last war. the supply was extremely small in relation to the demand, and I am satisfied that the importers did their best to conform with the guides as to distribution laid down in the general conditions.

“At a later stage, specialised types of North American vehicles, such as station waggons. 15cwt trucks, anf special cars for tourist work, were imoorted in addition to the normal car licences, and were again regulated in distribution.” said the Minister. “The supplies of North American-type vehicles in New Zealand are being further improved by the arrangement for additional imports *rom Australia this year. "Recently it has been Hear that the particular needs for the specialised types of vehicles had become reasonably satisfied, and that ‘here was not the same gap between rupply of and demand for the North American cars generally. 1 “The Government is satisfied that the North American types of motorvehicle will in general go to the classes of users who need them ipost,” the Minister said.