IMPORT LICENCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26197, 6 July 1946, Page 3

IMPORT LICENCES

SCHEDULE FOR NEW PERIOD EXISTING ALLOCATIONS AS BASIS MODIFICATIONS APPROVED The basis on which import licences are to be granted for the 1947 licensing period has now been determined. “The desirability of making the position known as early as possible with a view to affording importers an opportunity to place their orders overseas has been fully recognised by the Government,’’ said the Acting Minister of Customs. Mr A. H. Nordmeyer, yesterday, and special efforts have accordingly been made in that direction. It has been decided that in'general the basic allocations fixed for 1946 will continue for 1947, subject to certain modifications. In the case of certain foodstuff?, however, it has been necessary to defer fixing allocations pending advice as to the quotas to be made available through the Combined Food Board. “It will be seen on examination of the list of such modifications, ’’ said the Minister, “ that it has been found possible to provide for a number of relaxations. At the same time, the allocations fixed in respect of certain items should facilitate the issue of licences in such cases, e.g., item 342, where a number of sub-headings are regrouped in the main item. In this connection it is proposed also to allow the grouping- of allocations for certain items. Thus, licences granted under tariff item No. 354, artificers tools, n.e.i., may be utilised for importation of kindred goods included in the following items: —230, stones, mill, grind, oil, and whet; 287, emerypaper, emery-cloth, etc.; 333(2) agricultural implements, n.e.i (hand too.s only included therein): 342. measuring instruments; 351(6), emery and similar grinders; 351(10). machine tools (hand tools only included therein): 409, wooden handles for tools (excluding pick handles).” , ~ . . The Ministerial statement indicated that for the purpose of such grouping an importer may, if he so desires, apply to have included in his allocation for artificers’ tools (item 354) the basic allocations (if any) to which he is entitled in respect of the other items mentioned. Likewise, the following items, namely, No, 310(1). rivets, washers and screws for wood, also No. 371, coil springs, might be grouped with the general heading of builders’ hardware, item 356(3). Cutlery, ex item 356(1) (b) may also be grouped with cutlery being platedware, ex item 242. Provision for Essential Needs “The necessity to exercise care over the expenditure of overseas funds, having in mind the huge demands now being made on them for essential goods of many classes, will. I think, be patent to all,” said Mr Nordmeyer. “ Nevertheless, the Government will be anxious to ensure that all essential needs are adequately provided for, and the provision now being made should ensure this, subject to tne goods being available for procurement-overseas. “ Licences granted for the 1947 period will be available also for the entry of any shipments which might arrive in New Zealand prior to the end of 1946, Importers should not lose sight of the fact, however, that the allocation is intended to cover requirements until the end of 1947. and they should accordingly not count on further licences prior to next period. Extension of Licences “Although some improvement is shown in the shipping position, it has been decided, in view of delays still being experienced in the execution of orders for certain goods to grant a general extension of 1946 licences until March 31, 1947, in respect of firm orders placed and accepted overesas prior to November 1, 1946.” The Minister added that, to avoid delay, a new schedule for 1947 had not been printed, but copies of the list of modifications to the existing allocations could be had on request from collectors of Customs.