IMPORT CONTROL

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22461, 23 September 1944, Page 8

IMPORT CONTROL

NEXT YEAR’S LICENSES NO IMPORTANT CHANGE GOODS FROM CANADA The schedule of allocations for import licenses for 1945, which has been released by the Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. Nash, permit no general relaxation of the limitation applied to imports of certain classes of goods. No material changes have been made from the procedure in operation. However, in a considerable number of cases “Control” items have been replaced by “basic” allocations, thereby facilitating the granting of licenses. A Slight modification by way of simplification has been made in the form used in conjunction with applications for licenses to import textiles of specified types. Government control of imports from Canada is provided for under the new schedule. “Certain, imports from Canada in 1945,” said Mr Nash, “will require to be processed for procurement under the mutual aid agreement recently entered into by New Zealand with that Dominion. The Canadian Government has determined that any imports to which the agreement applies must be arranged on a Government to Government basis. Distribution Through Government “The procedure to be followed in that connection will be somewhat similar to that followed in connection with procurement of goods from the United States under lend-lease. The New Zealand Government will give the Canadian Mutual Aid Board requisitions for the goods and materials needed by us. The board will arrange for procurement through a Canadian Government purchasing agency, and it is the intention that the Ministry of Supply shall arrange for the goods shipped to New Zealand to be distributed as far as possible through normal trade channels.

“The urgent need of war have meant that New Zealand has had to spend many millions of dollars in Canada above her necessary expenditure. Particularly is this so because of the expenses of the air training scheme, and of ordnance items which Canada is supplying. The result is that New Zealand owes Canada very much more than Canada owes New Zealand for our exports to Canada. “The value of goods which will be available from Canada on the basis of mutual aid is expected to be substantial and it will probably be necessary to apply the procedure to a fairly wide range of commercial imports. In arranging Government procurement the intention is, however, to disturb existing trade connections as little as possible. It will be recognised that any extension of Government procurement in this connection is, in the circumstances, unavoidable if we are to avail ourselves of Canada’s aid which will materially assist our overseas funds position and avoid piling up war debts.”

In view of the delays still being experienced in having orders fulfilled, eighth period (1944) licenses are being extended until June 30, 1945. This will not apply, however, to eighth period licenses issued in substitution of seventh period (1943) licenses or to seventh period licenses extended to the eighth period, these being valid for imports up to December 31, 1944, only. The extension of eighth period licenses is to apply only to firm orders placed overseas prior to November 1, 1944.