AUSlftALI( A PRESS STATEMENT NO. 344
18 October 1974
RECEIPT OF TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY REPORT FOOTWEAR
The Prime Minister, Mr. Whitlam, announced that the
Government had imposed temporary import restrictions on most
types of footwear as from today. The import restrictions are
intended to limit imports over the next twelve months to a level
per cent higher than the level of imports in 1972/ 73, within
each of the specific tariff items set out below. This would mean
that imports over the next year would be at a level about 30 per
cent less than in 1973/ 74. Imports of gum boots, wading boots
and specialist sporting footwear would not be covered by the
restrictions. Mr. Whitlam said that this action had been taken
following the Government's acceptance in principle of the
report by the Temporary Assistance Authority of 10 October 1974
on Footwear. The Authority found that urgent action was necessary
tp protect the Australian industry producing footwear and parts
therefor in relation to the importation of footwear falling within
tariff items 64.01.4, 64.02.3, 64.02.9, 64.03.9 and 64.04.9, which
cover footwear with soles and uppers of rubber or plastic, with
soles of leather or rubber, with outer soles of wood or cork and
with outer soles of other materials.
Mr. Whitlam said that because of the possibility of
substantial existing commitments to import, it would be some
time before quota entitlements for individual importers could
be determined. Initially, consideration will be given to entry
of goods in transit and goods in bond as at the date of this
announcement, and of goods covered by irrevocable letter of credit
established on or before 11 September 1974. Allocation of quotas
to individual importers would only be considered after these
commitments were assessed.
In order to make the allocation of any such quotas
more equitable, should a balance remain for allocation after
accommodating the import commitments mentioned above, Mr. Whitlam
said that the base period criterion for determining possible
quota allocations would be widened to include importers in 1973-74,
as well as 1972-73.
Mr. Whitlam also mentioned that a reference on the
long-term prbtective needs of the footwear industry had been
sent to the Industries Assistance Commission, which had been
asked to report its findings to the Government no later than
April 1976. Further details of the Government's decision will be
announced by the Department of Manufacturing Industry which will
be responsible for implementation of the import licensing controls,
in conjunction with the Department of Customs and Excise.
Copies of the Temporary Assitance Authority's report are now
available. CANBERRA, A. C. T.