IMPORT BAN LIFTED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23830, 4 December 1940, Page 10

IMPORT BAN LIFTED

CYCLE TYRES AND TUBES LIMITED AMOUNTS ALLOWED , The ban on Hip importation of tyres and tubes for bicycles and tricycles during 1941 under the fifth period import schedule has been lifted. Importers have been advised by the Customs Department that an allocation of 25 per cent of the value of previous importations from all sources for tyres and of <T'i 1-3 per cent for tubes, will be permitted. Applicants importing tyres are expected to provide within their allocation for the requirements of those sizes not made in New Zealand. A note to that effect will be made on the licence. The position regarding supplies of tubes will be reviewed later if necessary. The concession is welcomed in the trade, as under the limited importations ruling at present, scarcities have developed, and the prospect of a total ban from January 1 was regarded with concern. Wholesale distributors have been rationing supplies to dealers, who, it is stated, would eagerly absorb very large quantities if they were available. When the ban was first imposed it was apparently thought the New Zealand industry could produce sufficient siipplies for the cycle trade. According to men in the trade manufacturers have been unable to import adequate supplies of raw materials. A serious scarcity of cotton fabric had limited the output of tyres, which in any case was confined to certain popular sizes. Difficulties in obtaining valves, previously chiefly supplied by Switzerland. had been one of tlie factors affecting the manufacture of tubes.