The control of imports : Australia 1952-1960

Abstract

Summary - This thesis attempts to assess the effects of the control of imports on the allocation of resources in the Australian economy from 1952-1960. The control system and methods are described briefly in Chapters II and III. Chapters IV-VI analyse the theorectical implications of quantitative import controls and provide the framework for the empirical investigation. Chapter VII sets out the main lines of the enquiry, some general aspects of the period and some methodological consideration. The importance of the form and methods of control is exameined in Chapters VIII - X from three aspects: speed and accuracy of the controls; discrimination among countries and among goods; and protection provided to domestic industries. The effect of the method of operation of the controls on investment - domestics and overseas - is deferred for examination, together with other aspects of the effects on secondary industry in Chapters XI - XV. Consideration is given to the paptern of development in secondary industry during the preriond and implications of the concurrent operation of the tariff, Since the effects of the controlds depend importantly upon the policies of businessment, the price reactions of exporters are discussed in Chapter XVI and those of importers, along with other effects, in Chapter XVII. The concluding chapter - Chapter XVIII - attempts to assess the effects of the controls on the pattern of resource allocation during the period. Show more