Import Schedule Tonight- Most Interesting Since Exchange Rate Bombshell

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1948, Page 2

Import Schedule TonightMost Interesting Since Exchange Rate Bombshell

(SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT) (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The special eagerly-awaited 1949 import schedule will be announced by the Minister of Customs, Mr Nash, tonight. Although the contents have been discussed at length by many interested organisations, they had been kept secret, and the schedule is likely to be the most interesting announcement since the exchange rate bombshell.

It seems definite that “blanket” licences will bh a thing of the past, while there is certain to be a change m the base year, 1938. Some say that instead of 1938 .Mr Nash will take ah average over three years, possibly 1946, 1947- and .1948.,

No More Goods

Whatever happens, it seems safe to predict., that there will be no more goods for the public of New Zealand hr 1949 than this year, and certainly less from dollar sources. Imports in 1948 reached a record in value and the Government is known to be perturbed at the drain on funds and the swamping of the local market with certain types of goods. Mr Nash is expected to tighten up the issue of licences for less essential goods, some of which reached the country through giving blanket licences for the United Kingdom. Britain will get as much of New Zealand’s tradd a's in the past but the types of goods are likely to be different. , /

There are not likely to be any more motor-cars, but relief may be given

to local manufacturers to obtain better supplies of raw rhaterials, and to farmers to obtain greater quantities of essential equipment etc.

More Dollar Cuts

The dollar cuts are already severe but may be tightened up eveh more. In addition to issuing thd.new import schedule tonight, Mr Nash will give important information on future trade to the opening of the annual riieeting of the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association tonight. Mr Nash’s address will.be broadcast.