Importers Want Free Trade Back

Northern Advocate, 24 November 1943, Page 5

Importers Want Free Trade Back

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, This Day. Special exception to remarks made by the retiring president, Mr N. B. Spencer, at the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, in which he referred to the desirability of continuing some measure of import contrrol after the war, has been taken by the Bureau of Importers. A statement issued by the president of the Bureau (Mr G. D. Rutter) says the Bureau stands by the earliest possible implementation of the Atlantic Charter, to which this country is a signatory. Article 4 of the Charter provides that “they will endeavour, with due respect for existing obligations, to further the enjoyment by all States of access on equal terms to the trade and raw materials of the world which are needed' for their economic prosperity.” Access to raw materials and foodstuffs of the world implies & greater feedom of national trade and removal of any restrictions and impediments to such free trade to which controls by governments and bureaucracies are, without exception, the greatest obstacle. . Was Costly Legislation The Bureau’s statement adds that most commercial men agree that the hristory of import control in this country has been one of the most costly and extravagant pieces of legislation ever adopted, that it has been responsible for colossal waste and increased cost and that it is the principal factor contributing to the acute shortage of many essential commodities.