House of Commons Journal Volume 11: 22 December 1696

Martis, 22 die Decembris;

8° Gulielmi Tertii.

Prayers.

Prohibiting India Silks, Calicoes, &c.

A PETITION of divers Wool-combers and Yarnmen, in and about the City of Peterborough, on behalf of themselves and Dependencies, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That their Trade depends on the Weavers Trade; who made a comfortable Subsistence for their Families, when but few East-India Silks and Stuffs were imported into England; but, since great Quantities have lately been imported, great Numbers of the Petitioners are reduced to extreme Poverty: That the Bill, depending in the House, to restrain the Wearing of all wrought Silks and Bengals, imported into this Kingdom from Persia and East-India, and all Callicoes printed or stained there, will greatly advance the Petitioners Trades, and their Dependencies: And praying, That they may be heard, by Counsel, in favour of the said Bill.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the said Bill be read a Second time.

Ditto.

A Petition of divers Mercers, in and about the City of London, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners Trade consists chiefly in buying Silks and Stuffs manufactured in England wherein they have employed great Stocks of Money, and thereby employed, and preserved many Thousand Families of Handicrafts from Ruin; but, by reason of the Importations, and general Wear, of East-India Silks and Stuffs, our English Manufactures, though much better, are rendered contemptible, to the Prejudice of the Petitioners Trade, and many 100,000 of his Majesty's Subjects: That the Bill, now in the House, to restrain the Wearing of all wrought Silks and Bengals, imported into this Kingdom from Persia and East-India, and all Callicoes printed or stained there, will be of singular Advantage to the Petitioners Trade, if it should pass into an Act: And praying, That thay may be heard, by Counsel, what they have to offer in behalf of the said Bill.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the said Bill be read a Second time.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Master, Wardens, and Assistants, of the Corporation of Weavers, in the City of Canterbury, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners have heretofore employed and maintained several Thousand Persons in making all Sorts of flowered, striped, and plain, Silks and Stuffs; but lately, since the Importation of great Quantities of East-India wrought Silks and Stuffs, great Numbers of their Poor are reduced to great Extremity, for want of Employment: That there being a Bill now in the House, to restrain the Wearing of all wrought Silks and Bengals imported into this Kingdom from Persia and East-India, and all Callicoes printed or stained there, the same will be of exceeding Benefit to our said English Manufactures, and the Petitioners: And praying, That they may be heard, by Counsel, in behalf of the said Bill.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the said Bill be read a Second time.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Churchwardens, Overseers of the Poor, and ancient Inhabitants, of the Parish of Whitechapel, in the County of Middlesex, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Poor of the said Parish are grown very numerous, by reason many Weavers, for want of Work, have entered themselves into his Majesty's Service, and left their Wives and Children to the Charge of the Parish, which is not able to maintain them: That the Weaving Trade used to be the Support of the Poor; but the same is, in a manner, extinguished, by reason of the Importation of Indian and Persian-wrought Silks: And praying the House to consider of some Method for encouraging the Weaving Trade.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the Bill to restrain the Wearing of all wrought Silks and Bengals, imported into this Kingdom from Persia and East-India, and all Callicoes printed or stained there, be read a Second time.

Prohibiting India Silks, Callicoes, &c.

A Petition of the Wardens and Commonalty of the Mistery of Dyers, in behalf of themselves and Trade, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Dyeing of Cloths, Stuffs, Linen, and Silk, is the only Livelihood of the Petitioners, and some Thousands that depend on the said Trade: That the Bill, depending in the House, to restrain the Wearing of all wrought Silks and Bengals, imported into this Kingdom from Persia and East-India, and all Callicoes printed or stained there, will tend to the great Benefit of the Dyeing Trade, if it pass into a Law; or otherwise, it will tend to the Decay and Ruin of it in general: And praying to be heard, by their Counsel, or otherwise, in behalf of the said Bill.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the said Bill be read a Second time.

Woollen Manufacture.

Mr. Robert Bertie, according to Order, presented to the House a Bill for the Encouragement of the Woollen Manufacture: And it was received.

The Bill was read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Denton have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Ordered, That Sir Gervas Elwes have Leave to go into the Country for Eight Days, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Ordered, That the Lord Fairfax have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Importation of Irish Yarn.

A Petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty, of the City of Bristoll, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the prohibiting the Importation of Bay-Yarn from Ireland, or loading it with a great Duty, will not only discourage the Woollen Manufacture in England, and particularly the new Drapery made in Bristoll, but will also increase the said Manufacture in Ireland, to . . . Prejudice of this Kingdom in general: And praying, That the Importation of Bay-Yarn from Ireland may be encouraged, under such moderate Duties as may make it capable to be wrought up here.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Worsted-combers, Spinners, and others, employed in the Woollen Manufacture, in and about the City of Bristoll, is referred: And all that come to the said Committee are to have Voices.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Thomas Freke junior have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Ordered, That Colonel Praed have Leave to go into the Country, for Recovery of his Health.

Haymarket Paving, &c.

A Petition of the Inhabitants in and near the Street called the Hay-market, within the Parishes of St. Martin's in the Fields and St. James, within the Liberty of Westminster, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That, by Act of Parliament, made in the 13th and 14th Years of the Reign of King Charles the IId, every Load of Hay, brought to be sold at the said Market, should pay 6d. and every Load of Straw 2d. towards paving the Streets; which Act hath been thought very useful, but long since expired: That such Carts do now, Three Days in the Week, stand before the Petitioners Houses; which occasions frequent Repairs there, more than in any other Part of the said Parishes, to the great Oppression of the Petitioners: And praying Leave to bring in a Bill for repairing, paving, and regulating, the Streets where the said Carts do stand; and that John Tully Esquire be the Collector.

Ordered, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for Relief of the Petitioners: And that Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Sir Henry Colt, do prepare, and bring in, the Bill.

Payments in Hammered Money.

A Petition of several Merchants in London, on behalf of themselves, and divers other Merchants and Traders inhabiting in the Cities, and trading Towns in all the respective Counties of England, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That several Bills of Exchange are drawn upon the Petitioners, for the Return of Monies delivered to the Petitioners Correspondents, by the Collectors in the Country, Part in hammered Money, by Tale, and part of unpassable Money; and also Bills created for the Duty of Excise: That the Petitioners have offered Payment of such Bills at 5s. 8d. an Ounce, in hammered . . . . ., according to a late Act of Parliament; but the Commissioners of Excise refuse to receive the same, and threaten to sue the Petitioners: And praying, That the said Commissioners of Excise may accept Payment of Bills of Exchange, to them due, in hammered Money, at 5s. 8d. per Ounce.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Company of Brewers of London, relating to the Excise, is referred: And that they do examine the Matter thereof; and report the same to the House, in the First Place.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Sir Thomas Barnardiston have Leave to go into the Country for Ten Days, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Ordered, That Mr. John Harvey have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, upon extraordinary Occasions.

Ordered, That Mr. William Duncomb have Leave to go into the Country, for Recovery of his Health.

Committees.

Ordered, That all Committees be revived.

African Company.

Resolved, That this House will, upon this Day Sevennight, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the Bill for settling and regulating the Trade to Africa.

Call of the House.

Ordered, That the House be called over, upon Monday Sevennight; and that all such Members, as shall not then attend, not having Leave to be absent, be sent for in Custody of the Serjeant at Arms attending this House.

Prohibiting India Silks, Callicoes, &c.

A Petition of divers Merchants, and others, who have lent Money on the Customs, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That they advanced considerable Sums of Money, for the Service of the Government, upon the Credit of Two Acts of Parliament; the one for applying 300,000 l. yearly, for Five Years, out of the Duties of Tonage and Poundage; and the other for continuing several Duties upon Wine, Vinegar, Tobacco, and East-India Goods: That the Bill, depending in the House to restrain the Wearing of all wrought Silks and Bengals, imported from Persia and East-India, and all Callicoes printed or stained there, will, if passed into an Act, be a very great Lessening of their said Security; as it will either prevent the Importation of the said Goods, or cause them to be shipped out again; and thereby the Custom paid Inwards will be drawn back by the Exporter: And praying, That they may be heard, by Counsel, against passing the said Bill.

Ordered, That the said Petition do lie upon the Table until the said Bill be read a Second time.

Ordered, That the said Bill be read a Second time upon To-morrow Sevennight.

Ways and Means.

Sir Thomas Littleton, according to the Order of the Day, reported, from the Committee of the whole House, to whom it was referred to consider of Ways and Means for raising the Supply granted to his Majesty, for carrying on the War against France, for the Service of the Year 1697, the Resolutions of the said Committee; which they had directed him to report to the House; and which he read in his Place; and afterwards delivered in at the Clerk's Table: Where the same were read; and are as follow; viz.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, towards raising the Supply granted to his Majesty, for carrying on the War against France, for the Service of the Year 1697, a Duty be laid upon all Persons, according to the true Value of their real and personal Estates; their Stock upon Land, and in Trade; and their Income by Offices, Pensions, Professions, Employments, or otherwise.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, towards raising the said Supply, a Duty of One Peny per Week, for One Year, be laid upon all Persons not receiving Alms.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a further Duty of One Earthing per Pound, per Week, be laid upon all Servants receiving Four Pounds per Annum Wages, and upwards, to 8 l. per Ann. inclusive.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a further Duty of One Halfpeny per Pound, per Week, be laid upon all Servants receiving Wages upwards of 8 l. per Annum, to 16 l. per Annum, inclusive.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a further Duty of One Peny per Pound, per Week, be laid upon all Persons receiving Wages upwards of 16 l. per Annum.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a further Duty of One Peny per Pound per Week, be laid upon all Persons receiving any Salaries, Pensions, or other annual Payments, not charged upon Land.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, the like Duty of One Peny per Pound per Week, be laid upon the Profits of all Offices, Employments, and Professions, not otherwise charged.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a Duty of One Farthing per Pound per Month, be laid upon all Persons, for their Money.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a Duty of One Halfpeny per Pound per Month, be laid upon all Persons, for their Stock in Trade.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That, over and above the said Duty of One Peny per Week, a Duty of Twelve-pence per Month be laid upon all Persons, for every 100 l. Stock upon Land.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee That the Children under Sixteen Years of Age, of all such Persons who are charged with One Peny per Week only, be excused from paying the said Duty.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That an Aid of Three Shillings in the Pound, for One Year, be laid upon all Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, according to the true yearly Value thereof.

The said Resolutions, being severally read a Second time, were, upon the Question severally put thereupon, agreed unto by the House.

Ordered, That a Bill or Bills, be brought in upon the said Resolutions: And that Mr. Attorney General, Lord Coningsby, Mr. Palmes, Sir Fran. Winington, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Serjeant Bond, Mr. Lowndes, Sir John Parsons, Mr. Culliford, Sir Wm. Williams, Mr. Clark, Mr. Norris, Mr. Solicitor-General, Mr. Methwin, Sir Edw. Seymour, Mr. Whitaker, Sir Chr. Musgrave, Mr. Smith, Sir Fra. Masham, Sir Tho. Littleton, Mr. Mountague, Mr. Newport, Mr. Moore, Mr. Chadwick: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Supply; Deficiency of Coinage.

The House, according to the Order of the Day, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of the Supply to be granted to his Majesty, for making good the Deficiency of re-coining hammered Money; and the Recompence to be given for bringing Plate into the Mints, to be coined.

Mr. Speaker left the Chair.

Colonel Wharton took the Chair of the Committee.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

Colonel Wharton reported from the said Committee, That they had considered the Matter to them referred; and had come to a Resolution; which they had directed him to report, when the House will please to receive the same.

Ordered, That the Report be made To-morrow Morning.

And then the House adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Nine a Clock.