f
arriving in this country before 1 April 1972), evidence
must be produced of the 1972 date of export. In the
case of these 1972 exports, import licences will be
issued without quantitative restriction.
(iii) The control must be rigorously enforced, and excess
shipments made in 1971 must be seized.
9. With regard to this last point, there are likely to be
strong protests against rigorous enforcement and seizures
at a time when import control is being phased out. But if
wide publicity is given to the warnings suggested in
paragraph 7, few cases should arise. Unless the control
is rigorously enforced, however, the credibility of import
licensing control in this and other fields may be undermined.
10. An early decision is needed. Several Divisions of the
DTI are receiving an increasing number of enquiries as to what
the arrangements will be. If Ministers agree with the
recommendation, we would propose to inform the other
Governments concerned of our intentions simultaneously with
an announcement to the trade. Drafts of a telegram to the
posts concerned and of a Notice to Importers are attached.
- 5-