IMPORTS FROM BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 9, 5 October 1940, Page 13

IMPORTS FROM BRITAIN

Mr. Nash’s Statement

“It is correct to say that it does nc good to us or to Britain for us to buy goods we can do without at present,” said the Minister of Finance, Mr. Nash, iu concluding the war finance debate, when replying to questions asked concerning imports from Britain. The point had been made earlier that Britain must maintain her exports unless her war effort was to suffer.

“A positive instruction with regard to import licences is that goods must be obtained from the United Kingdom if possible,” lie added. At tiie same time it was recognized by the United Kingdom Government that no good would be done by importing materials and articles not required. Britain did not need to build up credits in Empire countries, but in other countries where she was buying armaments. Certain manufacturers in Britain wanted to find markets overseas and were urging countries overseas to buy, he said. Some New Zealanders formerly importing non-essentials still wanted to import them. The answer, however, was ciear. Every penny New Zealand Lad from the sale of her produce in Britain, less the amount required to meet commitments, was made available for import licences.

ELECTORAL RIGHTS OF TROOPS Approval Of Legislation

Ten minutes was sufficient for the passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill through all stages in the House. Approval of the Bill, which safeguards the electoral rights of members of the armed forces overseas and allows them to accept nomination as Parliamentary candidates, was expressed by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Hamilton. “There is no difference of opinion about the principle of the Bill,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in moving its second reading. “Everyone agrees that our men serving overseas should not be deprived of any electoral rights they possess as citizens of New Zealand. Tiie Bill conserves the right to vote at by-elections or a general election and the right to accept nomination for election to Parliament.” Mr. Hamilton said the House appreciated tiie fact that the Government ‘•had introduced the Bill. There could be no criticism of the measure. The Bill was passed.