LICENCES FOR IMPORTS

Southland Times, Issue 24108, 23 April 1940, Page 4

LICENCES FOR IMPORTS

MINISTER DISCUSSES NEW PROCEDURE ADOPTION OF YEARLY BASIS POSSIBLE (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 22. A new procedure will operate in the issue of import licences for the fourth period and this should expedite the issue of licences, according to the Minister of Customs (the Hon. W. Nash). This step, he said, followed a conference in February and subsequent correspondence and discussion with the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce about the issue of special licences.

Investigations were also under way to determine the position of importers holding licences to import on the noremittance basis where such licences were issued before the Gazetting of the Finance Emergency Regulations. Steps had also been taken, the Minister added, to enable licences to be issued on a yearly basis, _ although difficulties due to the war might make this procedure impracticable. If these difficulties could be overcome and it was found practicable to grant licences on this basis, this procedure would operate for 1941. In the course of discussion and correspondence with the Associated Chambers of Commerce, continued Mr Nash, other recommendations and suggestions designed to facilitate the working of the machinery of import control had been submitted for his consideration. Although there were reasons which precluded the Government from giving full effect to all representations made in this connection, he appreciated the helpful spirit in which the executive of the Associated Chambers had presented its case.