Commended By Manufacturers

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30712, 30 March 1965, Page 9

Commended By Manufacturers

The new import licensing schedule showed the Government recognised the need to provide sufficient materials for factories to supply the needs of an expanding economy, said the president of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association (Mr R. G. Pearce).

“Without detailed examination of every item, we commend the Government for releasing a further number of materials and components not made in New Zealand to assist in the development of manufacturing and primary producing industries in New Zealand,” said Mr Pearce. Manufacturers had been awaiting with interest the receipt of the 1964-65 schedule, said Mr Pearce. When the schedule was released last year, he said, manufacturers were disappointed that many of their materials were only allocated 90 per cent of the previous year’s figures, with an absolute maximum of 100 per cent.

“Of particular significance is the announcement by the Minister of Customs (Mr Shelton) ‘that the exemptions now announced, are to be permanent,’ ” said Mr Pearce. “Manufacturers believe such an attitude is not only valuable from the Minister’s point of view to avoid the risk of over importing, but that it will enable those manufacturers concerned to plan progressive development of their enterprises. “That the Government is thinking along these lines is also indicated by the ’A’ licence provisions in the new schedule where the maximum possible entitlement of 1331/3 per cent will enable positive planning above the current year’s level, and at the same time encourage competition.”

Mr Pearce said it was reassuring the Government was prepared to exercise its rights in drawing on the International Monetary Fund to ensure a steady flow of essen- : tial supplies. A Canterbury member of the N.Z. Garment Council (Mr C. H. Stockbridge) said the schedule looked “reasonably satisfactory.”

This, he said, was in view

of the fact that New Zealand garment manufacturers were waiting on the sorting out of the woollen piece goods inquiry, held about 12 months ago by the Tariff Development Board. The whole case had been before the board for a ruling. “It looks as if, in the meantime, there has been no altering in the status quo for woollen piece goods,” said Mr Stockbridge. A meeting, to discuss woollen piece goods, would be held in Wellington tomorrow with Mr Shelton and the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall), he said.