February 1644: An Ordinance for encouragement of Merchants, and importers of Bullion or Coyne into this Kingdome.

February 1644

[26 February, 1643/4.]

Bullion and Coin brought to Dover and London in English shipping to have free passage and protection.; Two-thirds of such Bullion or Coin may be transported at 2d. per Cent. duty The third part to be brought to the Mint.

The Lords and Commons now in Parliament assembled, having received Information by Merchant Strangers, and others concerned in the Importation of Plate and Bullion into this Kingdome, That their Correspondents Inhabiting in the parts beyond the Seas, have conceived many feares and jealousies, which have and doe discourage them in the usuall Importing of Bullion into this Kingdome. For the better security and incouragement of all Merchants and Importers in of Bullion or Coyne into this Kingdome, doe Ordaine and Declare, That all Bullion and Coyne that shall be brought in any English Shipping, shall have free and safe Passage and Protection as in any former times both by Sea and Land into the Ports of Dover and London. And that no Seisure or detention from this State shall upon any pretence whatsoever be layd upon the same, or any part thereof, in whose hand soever the same shal be intrusted either Stranger or Native. But that the said Plate, Bullion or Coyne shall be brought into, and out of his Majesties Mint in the Tower of London as heretofore. And further That as in former times they shall have free Liberty to Transport the two third parts of such Bullion or Coyne that shall be so Imported, paying two per Cent. duty for the same as formerly, And the other third part is to be brought to the Mynt, And further, That from the Downes they shall have Convoy as usually heretofore, or free Liberty to Transport the said two Third parts in shipping of their owne.