Now Under Open Licence

Ausralian Canned Goods In Fiji

THE Collector of Imports, Fiji, has made the following comments on the item headed “Why are Australian canned goods restricted in Fiji,” published recently in the “PIM;”

Mr. Rowe, of Heinz Products Ltd. did not consult anyone in this office,’ but appears to have obtained a garbled ac count of import control practice from local merchants. In the first paragraph it is stated that representations are now being made to both the Australian and Fijian authorities on the matter of restric tions upon Australian canned goods. So far as I am aware, no such representations have been made, to this Government.

It is also stated that the present quota is “based on 1945 imports, which were very low.” This is quite incorrect. The annual quotas were originally based upon 1941 imports, but have been annually ad justed to meet changing conditions. In any case, there is no indication that 1945 was an unusually low year for imports.

The obvious reason for such restrictions as exist is that we are requested to follow this policy by the Secretary of State on behalf of the Ministry of Food and, for such lines as are restricted, it is necessary for the Colony to submit an annual pro gramme of requirements.

In regard to the final paragraph I can only say that the reason for the restriction on canned fruits would have been given to anybody that asked and was, in fact, given by telegram to the Australian Gov ernment. Again, we had been requested by the British Ministry of Pood to restrict the imports of canned fruits; but when an assurance was received from the Aus tralian authorities in June. 1948, that rea sonable quantities could be imported with out detriment to the United Kingdom supplies, certain relaxations were intro duced.

Later, advice was received from the United Kingdom that these goods could be put under open licence, and this was done in August, 1948. The advice was re ceived in the form of a circular telegram to all Colonies, and there is no suggestion that there was any particular reference to Fiji and, so far as this Colony is con cerned, nothing is known of any discus sions between London and Canberra on the subject.