BUREAU ASKS FOR IMPORT INQUIRY

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31597, 7 February 1968, Page 7

BUREAU ASKS FOR IMPORT INQUIRY

The New Zealand Bureau of Importers says it wants the names disclosed of any importers involved in the illegal Importing now being investigated by the police and the Customs Department. It says in an open letter to members of Parliament that it is afraid the full facts may not be published unless a public inquiry is held. “The Minister of Customs

(Mr Shelton) has turned down requests for a Royal Commission to inquire into this smouldering affair on the grounds that it will all come out in court,” says the letter. “But what guarantee is there of this? In the first place, only that evidence which can be made to stick will be taken to court. Second, it may be that only those firms which ultimately the Government chooses to prosecute will be brought to justice.” The letter says that the Government, as a political organisation, could be tempted to ameliorate a case against large, influential firms. “Moreover,” it tsks, “what of any incriminating evidence which may seem to have been destroyed, because the cat is out of the bag? Is anyone likely to comment on this, or any other practice which might besmirch the Government and could be whitewashed so easily? "These doubts in the public mind can be dispelled only by a public Inquiry completely divorced from political influence, and with wide terms of reference to subpoena pol-

ice and customs officers as well as firms and individuals.” The organisation says that many of its members have been forced into complete or near business extinction because of the chronic shortage of overseas funds, and ' that they and the public have a right to know the full facts of “this serious affair”.