IMPORT POLICY

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 4

IMPORT POLICY

Stud Stock To N.Z. A policy for Importing standardised horses after a recent review has been issued by the Customs Department to the Trotting Conference. The department has taken into account the value of export earnings from the sale of racing and trotting stock. It considered that It would be false economy to jeopardise those earnings by an over-re-strictive policy which did not make adequate provision tor stud requirements. Funds available for the issue of licences for both thoroughbred and standardbred horses for 1966-67 period have been reduced. But the department will use a system of assurances for three months, which will avoid previous high non usage, and should ensure that a reasonable level of authorisation is attained. The policy is aimed at improving blood lines. The emphasis is, therefore, directed entirely at horses required for breeding although there will be no objection to animals being raced before breeding. Applicants must be bona fide breeders, and preference will be given to applicants who have a previous record of export sales. Applicants will be restricted to one mare or filly In any one licensing period, but this restriction does not apply to stallions if circumstances justify the importation of more than one animal.

The department Intends to place considerable reliance on the Trotting Conference in determining priorities. The conference is to be advised by the department in the event of the licence issue not keeping pace with the funds provided by the budget set for the importations.