Basis of Import Allocations not to Be Revealed

Northern Advocate, 27 January 1939, Page 6

Basis of Import Allocations not to Be Revealed

—MR. NASH

rper Pre&s Association. Copyright.} I ’'-'K- WELLINGTON, This Day. rPHERE HAD BEEN NO UNNECESSARY DELAY IN DEALING WITH APPEALS, SAID THE MINISTER OF CUSTOMS, HON. W. NASH, WHEN ANSWERING 39 WRITTEN QUESTIONS SUBMITTED TO HIM AT THE CONFERENCE OF IMPORTERS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

It would expedite the procedure if appeals were lodged in duplicate With the Collector of Customs, who issued the license.

He did not intend to set up any tribunal in connection with the hearing of appeals in the meantime. ■

In replying to the question whether the Government would allow the i importation of goods ordered prior to December 5 without deduction from the quota, Mr Nash said that if undue hardship and injustice were likely to .follow, particular cases would be tak en into account.

Transfers Allowable. The Government would allow the transfer of any license from a foreign country to an Empire country, from ope foreign country to another foreign country, from an EPipire country to dp Empire country, or from an Empire, cquntry to the United Kingdom, afe lohfe as the Government was satisfied that an endeavour was not being made to circumvent the main objectives of the import regulations. I Favourable consideration would generally be given to .applications to aggregate small permits to meet the objection that the system would result in a large number of permits that are too small for importers to make use of them. Provided that samples were not brought in for the purpose of getting the goods in, the Government would facilitate the arrival of bona fide samples.

Capital Goods Facilitated. . Special licenses might, be applied for in respect of special contracts for approved capital works and generally would be facilitated, as the Government wished to see capital works expand, particularly in the manufacturing industries. It was the intention of the Government, he said, to permit importations of raw materials for conversion into manufactured goods to the maximum extent possible. Mr. Myers remarked that what was raw material for one industry w,as often finished material for another industry. , The Government, Mr. Nash continued, would always take into account whlf 'lt Was endeavouring to do with industries in New Zealand. • ■ Vln the ©verity of damaged or nondelivery >of gobds, ordered under license, an increase in the license Woidd' feneraUy be agreed to. In this connection, Mr. Nash mentioned goods destroyed by fire on the Rimutaka, and said he would ’ arrange licenses to be issued in that regard. . ' : ke knew no case in which customs offices had refused licenses for goods ordered in good faith, and prior to regulations coming into force, but hCwonldJopk into any case reported.- * No’ Transfers Permitted.

The Government would not agree to transfer of licenses otherwise they would very soon have a market for That was something they not want.

. ■* Though it was always the endeavour '.«f a Government to secure an exact between importations and ■ exports there was no method of ensuring such a balance though they Sould take steps to reduce the margin. In cases where a license for all ports was granted, said the Minister, provision would be made to grant the holder of the license landing permits at all ports other than that of his own ;:office.

The Government would be prepared -to give special consideration to imCportdrs who were able to arrange for ■ a supply of goods without drawing iipom overseas funds held under the Government’s control scheme, provided that such transactions did not conflict with other industries. Obviously licenses could be issued for spare parts without which capital equipment could not function, and containers, bottles, etc., which could not be manufactured imNew Zealand would be regarded as raw*material. Replying to questions the Minister said the duration of the present system depended on how soon its objectives could be attained. They were:— (1) Conservation of sterling funds to ensure the payment of debt services and other commitments overseas. (2) The purchase of sufficient raw materials to enable New Zealand industries, primary and secondary, to provide employment for all New Zealanders. (3) The importation of other commodities that could not be economically produced in New Zealand and were essential to the maintenance of the standard of living and the welfare of the people, objectives inevitably linked up with the expansion of manufacture in New Zealand. The Government would continua to protect the trade of those manufacturers who had extended or built new plants and were selling goods at reasonably economic prices. Basis to Remain Secret. Mr. ■ Nash was asked whether the Government would make public the basis of allocations for the granting of import licenses and publish a schedule of prohibited imports from Britain, Empire countries, “most favoured nation.” and foreign countries, and a similar list of partial prohibitions.

He replied that in the meantime it was not practicable to give general information, which was, however, furnished In some other countries where a similar procedure was operating. Importers would know from their licenses the extent to which the goods in which they were interested were affected. At present the Government was making sure of the supply of raw materials and other essential imports and. restricting other classes of goods considered capable of being made locally.