FULL FACTS NECESSARY

Grey River Argus, 12 September 1944, Page 3

FULL FACTS NECESSARY

PROCUREMENT OF GOODS WHAT U.S. AND CANADA REQUIRE. WELLINGTON, Sept. 11. “Cases have not been wanting where difficulty has been experienced by,sections of the business community in procuring_ goods and materials from the United States of America and Canada,” said Mr F. R. Picot, Commissioner of Supply, to-day. This is particularly true of releases from the United States. The reason for this is found in the restrictive directions issued by the War Production Board w conserve strategic and critical materials. The Board allocates priorities foi' the use of such materials only after the most searching investigation as to the “ultimate usage.” In New . Zealand we know this term as “end use.” Unequivocal refusals are not uncommon where critical materials are concerned. Decisions are contingent on the clarity and urgency with which the applicant states his case. “It is becoming increasingly apparent,” said Mr Picot, “that fulfilment of orders is dependent on the provision of the fullest possible details to the controlling authorities. “The form prepared by the Ministry of Supply has been designed to facilitate procurement of goods and materials and, while sponsored does not necessarily mean that goods will be released, it should be obvious that the possibility of securing release from either Canada or the United States will be materially greater when all the relative infor--1 mat ion sought is furnished. Meagre and insufficient replies to the questionnaire will not secure the goods. “I would urge all who have to use the form to realise the importance to themselves and to their customers of their giving the maximum possible information by detailing their answers to the various questions, otherwise there is a real danger that the supplying authorities will refuse to release the goods,” Mr Picot continued. “The responsibility rests entirely on the applicants and on them devolves the duty of justifying the ‘end use’ of the material.”