IMPORT CONTROL

Grey River Argus, 16 January 1940, Page 11

IMPORT CONTROL

British Check on Iron and Steel LONDON, January 15. One of the latest measures of war-, time organisation in Britain is the prohibition, under a Board of Trade order which came into force on December 18, of the import of iron and steel-making raw materials, except under licence. The order includes ferro-alloy and a wide range of semi-finished iron and steel products. It was preceded by the removal of the duties, on these materials, and provides machinery for the tighter control of imports. The aim is to bring into Britain the essential materials on the lowest possible cost basis. It is intended to facilitate the purchase and transport of all necessary supplies of the materials, and so far as is practicable imports will pass through the normal trade channels.

According to the “Financial News” it is expected that the British Iron and Steel Federation—which is now functioning under the Ministry for Supply Iron and Steel Control—wiU act. as central buyer under the new arrangements. Previous to the new orders, licensed materials sent in by the International Steel Cartel were admitted at preferential rates of duty, while Empire products were on the free lists. All the goods scheduled will now be subjected, to licence.