IMPORT CONTROL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 67, 16 February 1939, Page 8

IMPORT CONTROL

SECOND SIX MONTHS. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 15. Some import licenses for the importation of goods during the second six-month period have been issued by the Customs Department, but it was made clear to-day by Hon. W. Nash that only in very few special cases has this been done. There arc cases where it has been necessary to issue licenses for the second period where the effect of the regulations on agents and travellers now taking orders is considered, but it has been done only in special cases to help the men booking orders for goods for delivery in the second period. Mr Nash said it would be some time in March betorn the Government decided its general policy in respect to the second period. Commenting on the fact that there had been some relaxation of restrictions on books, Mr Nash said that the idea behind the importation of reading matter was to place no barrier between the public and what they wanted to read. “Bad” books, of course, were still restricted. “Licenses are required for ever.vthink except books and medicine,” said the Minister, “but we may have to give some thought to the importation of supplies of essential goods. That is being considered now.” He added that the Government, would define what essential goods were.