IMPORT CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1940, Page 6

IMPORT CONTROL

BRITAIN’S EXPRESS WISH OPPOSED BY IMPORTERS (Per Press Association—Copyright). WELLINGTON, December 9. “The day when the United Kingdom gets tired of one-sided treatment will be the day when New Zealand will sit up, and it will be the deathknell of these restrictions,” said the president (Mr E. A. Christie) addressing tho annual meeting of the United Kingdom Manufacturers’ and New Zealand Representatives’ Association, and commenting on the New Zealand Government’s control of imports. Mr Christie said that tho Council of the Association would continue to work to achieve its objective of no restrictions on the United Kingdom goods. As showing that the above outburst of the spokesman of importing interests is unwarranted, especially in war time, when Britain has asked for restriction, it should bo borne in mind that New Zealand imports in October were £681,000 greater than in the same month last year, totalling over £4,000,000, or within £807,000 of the value of the month’s exports. October imports, for the third month in succession, were higher than for the corresponding period last year. Figures for' the first ton months of the calendar year show exports valued rat ’ £I'0,B73)000 more than for the equivalent portion of 1939. Imports, •similarly:; compared-, are- £1,135,000 lower, making the visible balance of trade £12,008,000 greater. -' The four months of the production year, * which opens in July, show imports'; of substantially higher value than for the same part of the preceding season. The increase is £2,192,000. BRITISH GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE WELLINGTON, December 9. To remove misunderstandings which have arisen both in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom concerning New Zealand’s import restrictions, and doubt as to the policies of the New Zealand Government and the United Kingdom Government in this matter, 'the British Government has issued the following statement, which has been 'released in New; Zealand"' " O'j'jie'effective prosecution, of the war, which is the principal immediate aim' of.' / both our Governments calls for the most. careful■ .conservation of, financial Vresoure'es and of productive capacity in : order, that they may be devoted, as fully as possible to the war effort.. , “The heavy aiuL increasing demand the war is making on the: gold and dollar resources of the Empire necessitates the greatest economy-, not only in direct dollar purchases by Empire countries, hut in tho import of goods the manufacture of which is based on raw materials that have to be purchased in dollars.

“In addition to the question of finance, . there is the need for the adapting of productive, capacity 'as fully as possible to the requirements of the war effort, Generally speaking, the •resourire&vaf- the: Empire countries are becoming fully employed, and the extension of the war effort demands the diversion?- of labour, |)lanj; and; productive capacity -from activities which do not directly increase their strength for the war,, thus increasing tho claims the war is making, on the, financial and productive resources of the Empire. “This calls for a policy which, while avoiding undue dislocation and hardship, will secure the necessary restriction of production and consumption of many classes of consumer goods. “It might at first sight appear consistent with the object of tho United , Kingdom’s ‘export drive’ that New Zealand should restrict imports from this country. But it must be recognised that developments of the war situation necessitate a more selective policy in regard to export trade. ./‘Subject to the above considerations we would ask that New Zealand should continue to meet her essential requirements as far as possible from the United Kingdom when they can bemost economically supplied from that source; that restriction of non-essential imports from the United Kingdom should be accompanied by equivalent economics in New Zealand’s consumption; that undue dislocation should not be caused to United Kingdom industry, I which depends to an important extent on the New Zealand market; and that the long-term position of tho United Kingdom as a. supplier of manufactured goods to New Zealand should bo safeguarded.

“We appreciate the steps which the New. Zealand Government has taken and is taking to direct purchases as far as possible , to the United Kingdom. AVe are still anxious to supply New Zealand with her necessary requirements of goods which can be manufactured in.the United Kingdom without detriment to the common war effort.

“It is easier to lay down broad lines i.f policy than to determine their practical application to individual cases. The working of New Zealand’s comprehensive system of import regulations must necessarily give rise from time to time to gomo difficult questions affecting United Kingdom trade interests. A\ e hope such questions can be settled satisfactorily in consultation between the two Governments.”