IMPORT LICENCES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 96, 23 April 1940, Page 7

IMPORT LICENCES

YEARLY BASIS IN VIEW

ISSUE TO BE EXPEDITED

THE -FOURTH PERIOD

Providing difficulties that may arise 1 out of the war can be overcome, import licences during 1941 are to be issued on a yearly basis, according to a statement made last night by the Minister of Customs (the Hon. W« Nash). The Minister also mentioned the introduction of a new procedure lor the. fourth period licences that should expedite their issue. This fol- . lowed a conference in February and subsequent discussion with the executive of the Associated Chambers of " Commerce about the issue of special, "^cences. Mr. Nash said that investigations were under way -to determine the position of importers holding licences to import on a no-remittance' basis ■where such licences were issued before the gazetting of the Finance Emergency Regulations. ; At the last conference with the executive of the Associated Chambers, of Commerce, in explaining the position . 'of sterling funds, he had stated that after making allowance for commitments other than imports, licences issued and :. authorised would absorb all the estimated revenue from ex- ■ portsi. . :. . ■ . ' '. ' ; ; ■•': ■ ' . ■ Steps had also been taken, said the • Minister, to enable licences to be issued on a yearly basis, though difficulties due to the war might render v this procedure impracticable. If, however, these difficulties could be overcome and it was found practicable to grant licences c on this basis, this pro- ■ cedure would operate for the coming year, 1941. - ~ OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS. In the course of his discussion and? correspondence with the Associated Chambers of Commerce, other recom- , meiidations and suggestions designed .to facilitate the working of the machinery of import control had been -submitted for his consideration. Though .'". there- were reasons which precluded ; the Government from giving full effect . to all the. representations made in this connection, he appreciated the helpful spirit in which the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce had • presented their case. Those specific recommendations on. which-agreement had not already been reached would be thoroughly exam- - IneQ, and -it was hoped that the full s. and frank co-operation that had taken place, between the Government .and the Associated Chambers of Commerce would, be continued, to the advantage : of all concerned in the administration of the import control procedure. "At an interview: with the executive yesterday," said 'the. Minister, "I , stressed the. importance of confining ouir imports to essentials, and in particular to avoid every possible charge on other than sterling funds. ./There: is nothing, that, the Dominion can do to help the ,Old Country ,that will not . b^lbi'pne. ■VEyery effort tha,t can. be, made owitf .be' made to assist in the war, effort and to help the United Kingdom conjinerCially and otherwise."