CUT IMPOSED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 9 January 1940, Page 7

CUT IMPOSED

CURRENT PERIOD MOTOR IMPORTS GOVERNMENT S ACTION fUnited Press»Association] WELLINGTON. This Day. The Government; has decided to grant licenses for ttie importation of unassembled motor vehicles during the first half of the current year up to 35 per cent, of the value of imports of unassembled vehicles an 25 per cent, of the value of complete vehicles during the corresponding period of 1938. This decision has been conveyed to the New Zealand Motor Trade Federation, Wellington, by the Minister of Customs, Mr Nash, who wrote: — “lam writing to acknowledge your letter of December 18 and to advise you that the Government has decided to grant licenses for the importation of unassembled motor vehicles during the third licensing period (Janu-ary-June, 1940) up to 35 per cent, of the value of imports of unassembled vehicles and 25 per cent, of the value of complete vehicles during the corresponding period of 1938. CONSERVING OVERSEAS FUNDS “The licences, subject to the issue of remittance authorities, will cover imports which are landed in the Dominion not later than August 31, 1940. “Owing to the imperative need of conserving overseas funds other than sterling, the licenses will be for the importation of vehicles from the United Kingdom only. “To ensure availability of spare parts for cars at present in use it has been decided to grant licences on application for importation from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or foreign countries up to the value of imports from such sources during the first half of 1938. This means that the reduction of 40 per cent, previously announced is now abolished. “I would also take the opportunity of advising you that, in view of conditions obtaining at the present time, it has been decided to postpone till August 31 next the operation of the determinations in respect of bumper bars, undercarriage springs for commercial vehicles, and unassembled doors for all-steel cabs. Arrangements are also being made to amend the Tariff Preference Regulations in order that certain parts produced in New Zealand may be substituted for parts imported with vehicles from British sources without prejudicing: the qualifications of such vehicles f for tariff preference. REDUCED PETROL IMPORTS I I “Associated with the reduction in the percentage of cars to be imported is the necessity to reduce the petrol imports, firstly to ensure full availability of supplies for war purposes to the United Kingdom and France, and secondly to reduce the demand j for dollar and other funds so as to conserve these funds to enable Britain and France to obtain the maximum quantity of aeroplanes, ammunition, etc., to prosecute the war. “Applications for import licences will be attended to immediately on receipt by the respective Collectors of Customs throughout the Domin-