IMPORT LICENCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23621, 3 April 1940, Page 10

IMPORT LICENCES

PROBABLE CHANGES MORE BRITISH GOODS REDUCTION OF FOREIGN [ill* TELKGItAI'H —own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Tuesday Relexations on United Kingdom raw materials and made-up goods and a tightening of restrictions on the importation of goods from foreign countries are expected to be announced when the third-period import licences are released by the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash. The delay in publishing conditions for the third period has resulted in pressure being brought to bear on the Minister to make an early announcement. Importers were assured that licences would be issued before Easter, but so far no statement has been made by the Minister. Effects of Delay General anticipations are that in the aggregate imports which will be approved for the period now entered upon will not exceed in value those for the last period. The anxiety of importers to know the Minister's intentions is aggravated by the necessary for them to place orders for new season's requirements for Christmas delivery without delay. The custom in past years has been foi orders to be placed by the end of March, and an assurance was given by Mr. Nash that the conditions of the licences would be issued before Easter. The concern of importers is also heightened by their knowledge that costs are steadily rising in England and every day's delay may mean an added charge ou their orders. Preparation of Schedules Although some relief to the drain on London funds has become apparent in returns from the British Government s purchase of wool, meat and dairy produce, combined with the restriction ol imports, best-informed quarters believe that no lifting of the restrictions as a whole will be made, but that Mr. -iNnsii will allow a larger portion ol the inntls available to be used for the purchase of raw materials for industry in the Dominion, and also for made-up Haignsli goods, sucli as bats. . , , Importers who have boon persistent in their inquiries as to when the thirdporiod licences will be issued have been informed that the Customs Department has the schedules practically completed, and 16 davs ago the Minister mentioned in a broadcast that he had been studying the licences. So far no announcement has been made as to when details of imports to be permitted ■will be released.