§ Mr. Priceasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has any information from the Government of New Zealand as to the restrictions on imports into that country recently imposed and as to the effect this will have on New Zealand purchases from this country?
§ Mr. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that, as a result of the new import regulations of the Government of New Zealand, no goods can enter that Dominion shipped from this country after the 7th December without an import licence even though these goods may have been contracted for months ago; and whether he will make representations to the New Zealand Government to modify these regulations which will cause serious losses both to British shippers and manufacturers and bring about further unemployment in many districts especially in Lancashire?
Mr. M. MacDonaldOn 6th December, His Majesty's Government in New Zealand introduced measures of exchange control which include the licensing of imports of goods into New Zealand. I have not yet sufficient information in regard to the conditions under which import licences will be made available to judge the probable effect of these measures on imports of United Kingdom goods, but a public statement has been made on behalf of the New Zealand Government to the effect that they fully recognise their obligation to buy as much as possible in this country. I understand that the New Zealand1832W Government are making special arrangements regarding the importation of goods ordered before the 5th December and I am in communication with the New Zealand Government on the matter.