IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 86, 13 April 1940, Page 3

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

NEW CUT IN AUSTRALIA. Further restrictions, prohibiting the import from non-sterling countries of goods valued at more than £A2,000,000 were announced recently by the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. Menzies. He said that the restrictions were imposed for one reason—to save nonsterling exchange. "I am convinced that the Australian people realise that this war struggle will be prolonged,” he added. "All our resources are needed for victory.” The import of the following goods from non-sterling countries is wholly prohibited:—Crude rubber, electric razors, bakelite bases for wireless valves, agricultural implements, lifting jacks, high tension ignition coils, cutlery, spoons, forks, kerosene room heaters, flooring and wall tiles, reclaimed rubber, wallpaper, wood pencils, motor-cycles, and quarter h.p. fractional motors for washing machines. Mr. Menzies said that special consideration would be extended to agricultural implements specially designed for use with tractors, and special regard would be paid to discs of a type not manufactured in Australia. The United Kingdom had placed large orders with Australia for the supply of reapers and binders at a higher cost than that of the Canadian and American binder. Australian manufacturers were also supplying South Africa, which had previously purchased supplies in North America. The diversion of these orders to Australia: was to conserve Empire non-sterling exchange. As Australia was supplying the United Kingdom and South Africa it would be quite anomalous for Australia to be purchasing these implements from the United States. Replacement parts would be adequately provided for.