Australia Makes Sweeping Cuts In Imports

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 September 1947, Page 7

Australia Makes Sweeping Cuts In Imports

(Rec. 12.10 p.m.) CANBERRA, This Day.

Immediate and sweeping cuts in imports of car chassis, tobacco, newsprint, aircraft, and miscellaneous goods from North America, which were decided on by the Federal Cabinet last night, are aimed at reducing Australia’s expenditure by about 40,000,000 dollars yearly. This approximates about half of the difference between the export and import figures estimated for this financial year. The Government does not expect unemployment to result from the import cuts, although it recognises that some people may be forced to transfer to other industries.

Though the cuts do not close the gap between current expenditure and the expected dollar earnings, Australia will not have tq call on Britain for as many dollars as in the last, financial year when 100,000,000 dollars passed to Australia to meet her commitments, in North America. The car shortage will become worse, as at present Australia is starved for cars. In New South Wales alone the unfulfilled orders for motor-cars amount to over 22,000 and the numbei- released each month is only 1000. The shortage of spare parts creates its own problem, as a large number of cars and public vehicles are practically worn out. The textile position is not known yet. A stock census of clothing and textiles is being taken and will be placed before the Rationing Commission at its next meeting in Melbourne. The travel allowance restriction is not considered serious. The Commonwealth Bank already reviews every application for dollars and it is considered that, even if the present allowance of 30 dollars daily for business and pleasure is cut by half, people could still manage.