IMPORTS OF CHINA

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29903, 17 August 1962, Page 13

IMPORTS OF CHINA

Extra Licences Defended (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 16. Tiie Minister of Customs (Mr Shelton) was accused tonight of making “almost a secret agreement” in increasing china and earthenware imports by 25 per cent, without a public announcement.

"Why should the Minister have to be prodded to give this information?” Mr N. E. Kirk (Opposition, Lyttelton) asked. “Why is there an increase in this field when other fields are being denied imports?” Mr Shelton said the increase was restoring imports nearer to their level of a year ago.

“Imports in this field were only 40 per cent, of the year before.” he said. “Twentyfive per cent, of 40 per cent, is only 10 per cent. It represents about £130,000 worth of licences. The 40 per cent, represents a mere £500.000 of imports.” Mr Kirk: Applications for £lO are being turned down.

Mr Shelton: Mr Kirk tries to say there is something sinister about it. I doubt I am even giving these importers what they should have. Mr Shelton said licences had been cut down to 40 per cent, so an investigation could be made in fairness to the Crown Lynn works The extra licences were issued for a range of ware which the Auckland firm did not produce. “It applies to the restricted field of high-class crockery only. “Am I to cut it out and keep to utility ware only?” Mr Shelton asked.