N.Z. IMPORTS FROM U.S.A.

Grey River Argus, 25 September 1941, Page 6

N.Z. IMPORTS FROM U.S.A.

Under Lease and Lend Act THE ARRANGEMENTS OUTLINED. P.A. WELLINGTON, Sept. 24. In the House this afternoon, the effect of the United States Lease and Lend Act on New Zealand’s internal economy was raised by Mr F. W. Doidge (Nat., Tauranga). in an urgent question to the Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Nash. He asked if the Minister would define and clarify New Zealand’s position in relation to this Act. making it clear whether importers were to be permitted to continue their private commercial arrangements, or whether ail of tho goods from th P United States were to be brought into the country by Government importations. He further asked whether goods imported under the Lease and Lend Bill intended for civil use were to be distributed through private firms, or through the medium of the Government; and whether the Minister would make it clear that there was no ground fo r a fear expressed -by Chambers of Commerce and private traders that the Government intended using the Lease and Lend Act for the furtherance of a policy of socialisation.

Hon. W. Nash, replying, said that the whole question of the Lease and Lend Act was under consideration, and a statement would be issued shortly. Alter briefly outlining the purpose of the Lease and Lend Act, the Minister dealt with specific questions as to the United States, raised by Mr Doidge. as follows: 1,1) In ordef that the generous assistance which the United States was making available might be given effect to, the New Zealand Government has been requested by the British Government to centralise the imports of all majorities .which could be handled on the basis of co-ordinated requirements, and which were necessary fop the’ maintenance of the Do-m-mon’s war effort. Insofar as goods might be eligible for supply by the United States on the Lease and Lend terms, arrangements were being made to import such goods by the Government, through the Ministry of Supply, and licenses for imports by private traders could, accordingly, not be granted in the mantime. However. the purchase of other goods might continue; but safeguards would still be required to ensure the minimum charge on dollar funds. (2) Where essential goods were procured by th e Ministry of Supply, the Government was required to give the assurance that such goods would be distributed to the consumers or the users in the Dominion without profit. ■The Minister of Supply was. at present, considering: arrangements to ensure that the New Zealand distribution would be through the existing economic channels, on a basis to be agreed on between the Government |

and the distributors Mr Nash said that the third question by Mr Doidge represented the usual political propaganda, and. in reply, he would say that it was proosed to use the existing trading channels to tjw fullest extent possible.