House of Commons Journal Volume 10: 3 November 1691

Martis, 3 die Novembris; 3° Gulielmi et Mariæ.

Prayers.

Holborne Court of Conscience.

ORDERED, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill for erecting a Court of Conscience for Holborne and Finsbury Divisions.

State of the Nation.

Then the Order of the Day, for the House to resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider of the State of the Nation, was read.

Members summoned.

Ordered, That the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do go with the Mace, and summon the Members in Westminster Hall at the several Courts, and in the Court of Requests, to attend the Service of the House.

And he went accordingly:

And being returned, with the Mace;

Then the House, according to the Order of the Day, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider the State of the Nation.
Mr. Speaker left the Chair.
Mr. Gray took the Chair of the Committee.
Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.
Mr. Gray reports from the said Committee, That they had agreed upon several Resolutions; 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 followeth.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the paying the Army any otherwise than by the Muster of effective Men, is a great Wasting of their Majesties Treasure.

Resolved, That it is the Opinion of this Committee, That the House be moved, That a Bill be brought in for the paying off the Army according to the Musters of effective Men, and for better paving of Quarters; and likewise for preventing of false Musters, and punishing Mutineers and Deserters.

The First of the said Resolutions being read a Second time;

Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That a paying the Army any otherwise than by the Musters of effective Men, is a great Wasting of their Majesties Treasure.

The Second of the said Resolutions being read a Second time;

Resolved, That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution, That a Bill be brought in for the paying off the Army according to the Musters of effective Men, and for better paying of Quarters; and likewise for Preventing of false Musters, and punishing Mutineers and Deserters.

Ordered, That it be recommended to Sir Thomas Clarges, Sir Christopher Musgrave, Mr. Foley, Mr. Harley, and Sir Peter Colleton, or any Three of them, to bring in the said Bill.

Mr. Gray also acquainted the House, That he was directed by the said Committee to move the House, That they may have Leave to sit again, to inquire, What Miscarriages have been in the Fleet; and who have been the Occasion thereof.

Resolved, That this House will, upon Saturday Morning next, at Ten a Clock, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to inquire, What Miscarriages have been in the Fleet; and who have been the Occasion thereof.

And then the House adjourned until To-morrow Morning, Ten of the Clock.