IMPORT LICENSES

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 June 1942, Page 6

IMPORT LICENSES

MINISTERS’ STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, June. 18. “In the light of existing conditions, when so many difficulties and delays are experienced in obtaining supplies of commodities from overseas, the Government recognises that it is to the advantage of importers to have as much notice as possible regarding the exten to which licenses for imports &re to be made available to them, said the Acting-Minister for Customs (Mr Nordmeyer). “The basis for the issue of licenses covering the seventh period, has now been determined,” Mr Norameyer continued. “The fact that industry in almost all the countries from which we have imported gooas m the past is now engaged in war activities makes the position regarding the supplies of many commodities uncertain and difficult.. Not. only are such commodities subject, m countries to close control in» boffi manufacture and export, bin the shipping position is such that there is no certainty that even, when gooas are available for export they can be landed here. Indeed., so difficult has the position become, particularly in respect of goods from North, America, including both Canada and the United States, that the controlling authorities in those countries will not, in general, grant permission for goods to be supplied 'until they are satisfied tnat these are essential for use in the Dominion directly or indirectly in connection with the war effort. In the United Kingdom, also, the control of supplies of practically all classes of commodities is now very rigid. x Ti has become apparent that in respect of metals, rubber, and chemicals, the greatest stringency will be applied in the exporting countries in the allocation of supplies. “Advice has already been received that in respect of certain goods from the United Kingdom only orders placed by the Government will be entertained. In the case of goods imported from the United States, these may, where circulmstances justify it, Ik- supplied to the Government under I’m- lease-lend principle. Ju view ol th-se circlumstances, it will be evident that if we are to obtain supplies of goods that ate essential to our needs the order must be placed tnrough the Ministry of Supply. Where such a procedure is adopted, licenses will not be granted to private importers. Importation by the Ministry of Supply will be resorted to, however, only where this is necessary, and every endeavour will be made to utilise normal channels ol distribution. With a view to conserving paper, i; lias been decided not to reprint Ihe entire licensing schedule, but Io adhere to the basis fixed for anocaiions lor the sixth licensing period, subject to certain modifications. INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION. “In a number of cases applications will be considered individually, instead of having the allocation fixed. In most of these cases the supply position overseas is generally indefinite, and no purpose would be served in granting further licenses unless there was a reasonable prospect of obtaining the goods. .The allocation fixed in respect of certain items has been reduced for the reason that it will be impossible to obtain the same amount as previously. Importers should not apply lor licenses when it is known that goods are unprocurable. The fact that licenses are not applied for will not prejudice them in respect of allocations which might be granted in later periods. “ft has been necessary in certain cases to curtail licenses for those goods the importation of which cannot bo justified under strict war-time economy. Particularly is this the case where the materials involved are those urgently needed for the produelion of goods necessary for the war. The manufacture of such commodities in the United Stales has recently been prohibited, and it will be appreciated that the Government could not sponsor the materials for a manufacture in thii country whica is not permitted in the country ol oriain. I would emphasise, however, that to the extent that the need for goods exists, and where they are available, the Government will use all its endeavours to obtain them and to ensure that our essential requirements ai-e provided for. In view of the delays at present being experienced in the fulfilment of orders and ir> the shipping of goods from overseas, it has been decided that, sixthperiod licenses shall be valid for imports up to June 30, 1943, instead ol December 31 next.