House of Commons Journal Volume 12: 29 January 1698

Sabbati, 29 die Januarii ;

Nono Gulielmi Tertii.

Prayers.

Vesey's Nat.

A BILL for naturalizing Dudley Vesey, an Infant, was read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Sir Henry Colt, Sir Thomas Roberts, Mr. Boscawen, Sir Wm. Lowther, Mr. Newport, Mr. Foley, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Mountague, Mr. Mountsteven, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Pocklington, Mr. Gwynn, Mr. Mawdit, Mr. Shakerley, Mr. Colt, Serjeant Wogan, Mr. York, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Thornhagh, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Foley, Mr. Hobby, Mr. Tilney, Mr. Dolben, Mr. Pit, Mr. Slater, Mr. Kirby, Mr. Perry, Lord Pawlet, Mr. Lambton, Sir Fra. Masham, Mr. Fuller, Sir Jos. Tiley, Mr. Blofeild, Mr. England, Mr. Baldwyn: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

May's Nat.

Mr. Newport, according to Order, presented to the House a Bill to naturalize Charles May Esquire: And the same was received; and read the First time.

Resolved, That the Bill be read a Second time upon Wednesday Morning next.

Privilege.

Ordered, That the Matter of the Petition of the Lady Salusbury; and the Matter of the Complaint of the Breach of Privilege against Mr. Arthur Owen; be heard and examined, by the Committee of Privileges and Elections, at the same time with the Matter of the Petition of Sir Bourchier Wray Baronet, which is referred to the Consideration of the said Committee.

Dun Navigation.

A Petition of the several Parishes of Owston, Haxey, Epworth, Belton, Crowle, Luddington, and Althrope, in the Isle of Axholme, and County of Lincolne, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the making the River Dun navigable will be a great Decay to Trade in those Parts, ruin the Navigation of the River Trent, and extremely raise the Price of Coals, and prejudice Doncaster Market, where the Petitioners used to buy and sell Corn: And praying to be heard against the Bill depending in the House for making the River Dun, in the County of York, navigable.

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

Ditto.

A Petition of the Gentlemen, Freeholders, and the rest of the Inhabitants, of Everton cum Scaftworth and Harwell, Greenly, Clayworth, Wiseton, Beckingham, Misterton, Walkeringham, and divers other Parishes in the North Clay, in the County of Nottingham, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Petitioners are very sensible of the great Damage that will accrue to them, and the impoverishing many Families in their adjacent Parts, if the Bill now in the House for making the River Dun, in the County of York, navigable, should pass: And praying to be heard against the same.

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

Ditto.

A Petition of the Masters of the several Ships, Pinks, Barks, Hoys, Keels, and other Vessels, belonging to the River Trent, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the making the River Dun navigable, in the County of York, for which there is a Bill depending in the House, will ruin the Navigation of the River Trent, which consists of near 70 Sail, built on purpose for the Trade of that River, reputed the Third best in England, which yearly breeds abundance of Seamen: And prayirig to be heard against the said Bill, which is to the Prejudice of more, than Advantage to others.

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

Duties on Leather.

A Petition of the Tanners, Skinners, Shoemakers, Glovers, Cutters, Sadlers, Collar-makers, Leatherdressers, and other Artificers in Leather, within the ancient Borough and Corporation of East Retford, in the County of Nottingham, and other adjacent Places, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the Duty upon Leather is insupportable, and must end in the Ruin of all Traders in Leather; through the Scarcity of Money, and Deadness of Trade, they being now forced to sell their Goods cheaper than before the Duty, and give Credit too, though they must pay down the King's Tax upon Sale: And praying the Consideration of the House for their Relief therein.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Aldermen, Stewards, and Company of Fellmongers, Leather-dressers, and Glovers, in the City of Chester, is referred: And that they do examine the Matter; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Company of Tanners of the ancient City of York was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the great Duty laid upon Leather has very much lessened their Trades; so that, being confined to sell but on one Day in the Week, viz. at the Market, and with other Hardships, they are rendered incapable of maintaining themselves and Families: And praying Relief in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Aldermen, Stewards, and Company of Fellmongers, Leather-dressers, and Glovers, in the City of Chester, is referred: And that they do examine the Matter; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Ditto.

A Petition of the several Tanners, Skinners, Tawers, and Workers of Leather, of the ancient Borough of Tamworth, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That if the Duty upon Leather be not speedily taken off, the Petitioners must of Necessity leave off their Trades, and themselves and Families be ruined thereby: And praying, That the House will find out some way for their Relief.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Aldermen, Stewards, and Company of Fellmongers, Leather-dressers and Glovers, in the City of Chester, is referred: And that they do examine the Matter; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Trade with Ireland.

A Petition of the Dyers, Setters, Callenders, Tilletpainters, Pressers, and Packers, living in and about the City of London, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That formerly Perpetuana's, and all other Sorts of Serges, received their full Manufacture here in England before Exportation; whereby many Thousands, depending on the Petitioners Trades, were fully employed, and his Majesty's Customs for Indigo, Logwood, and other Materials used in the Dying-Trade, were greatly augmented; but, of late Years, Foreigners and others, for private Gain, have exported them white, to the Ruin of many thousand People, for want of Employment, besides the Loss to the King by Customs: And praying, That the Export of the Woollen Manufactures white may be discouraged by a Bill, or otherwise, as the House shall think fit.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Trade between England and Ireland; and how to make the Trade of this Kingdom more beneficial.

Ditto.

A Petition of the Dyers, Setters, Callendars, Tilletpainters, Shearmen, Pressers and Dressers of Stuffs, in the City of Norwich, and County of Norfolk, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That heretofore Callimancoes and Serges, and many other Woollen Manufactures, did receive their full Manufacture before they were exported from England; whereby the Petitioners, and Thousands of People, were fully employed; but, of late, those Manufactures have chiefly been exported white, to the great Decay of the Petitioners Trades, and the Ruin of many Thousand: And praying the like Inconveniencies may, by a Bill, or otherwise, be prevented for the future.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee appointed to consider the Trade between England and Ireland; and how to make the Trade of this Kingdom more beneficial.

Leave of Absence.

Ordered, That Mr. Culliford have Leave to go into the Country for a Fortnight, to bury his Father.

Lewin's Estate.

A Message from the Lords, by Sir Richard Holford and Mr Pitt:

Mr. Speaker,

The Lords have passed a Bill, intituled, An Act to enable John Lewin to sell certain Messuages in Southwark, for Payment of Debts: To which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

And then the Messengers withdrew.

Transport Debt.

A Petition of Giles Bridgman, and others Masters and Owners of Ships belonging to the Port of King's Lynn, in the County of Norfolk, was presented to the House, and read, setting forth, That, in 1693, they contracted with his Majesty's Commissioners for Transport-Service, for employing themselves and Shipping; and accordingly performed the Contract on their Parts; but there remains considerable Sums due to them; for want of which, many of the Petitioners have been ruined, and the rest great Sufferers: And praying the House to take care that they may be paid what is due to them for the said Service.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the several States, Estimates, and Accounts, presented to the House, are referred.

Committees.

Ordered, That all Committees be revived.

Duties on Glass.

A Petition of William Clark, and others Owners of Glass-works in or near Bristoll, on behalf of themselves, and others, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That the high Duties on Glass-wares have not only reduced the Consumption of Glass so as to render the Petitioners incapable to carry on their Trade, but it will also endanger the Loss of that Manufacture to England: And praying the Consideration of the House in the Premises.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Glass-makers of the Town of Stourbridge is referred: And that they do examine the Matter thereof; and report the same, with their Opinion therein, to the House.

Duties on Leather.

Ordered, That Mr. Methwin and Mr. Norton be added to the Committee, to whom the Petition of the Aldermen, Stewards, and Company of Fellmongers, Leather-dressers, and Glovers, in the City of Chester, is referred; and all the Members that serve for the Counties of Cornwall, Devon, and York: And all that come, are to have Voices.

Preventing Felonies and Robberies.

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider of Methods for the more effectual preventing Felonies and Robberies, and punishing such as shall be convicted; and to prepare, and bring in, a Bill for that Purpose.

And it is referred to Mr. Pocklington, Sir Richard Onslow, Sir Henry Colt, Mr. England, Mr. Boscawen, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Perry, Mr. Onslow, Mr. Pagit, Mr. Mountstevens, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Colt, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Norris, Sir Cha. Turner, Lord Pawlet, Sir Wm. Williams, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Foley, Mr. Dolben, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Molesworth, Sir Tho. Roberts, Mr. Blofield, Sir Geo. Hungerford, Lord Fairfax, Mr. Serjeant Bond: And they are to meet at Five a Clock, this Afternoon, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Person in custody allowed to have Medical, &c. Attendance.

Mr. Speaker acquainted the House, That he had this Morning received a Message, by the chief Governor of the Tower of London, from Mr. Charles Duncomb there, That he was very ill; and desires, That Dr. Cole, and Mr. Tussey his Apothecary, and his Brother Mr. Anthony Duncomb, may have Leave to resort to him.

Ordered, That the said Dr. Cole, Mr. Tuffey, and Mr. Anthony Duncomb, have Leave to resort to the said Mr. Charles Duncomb.

Timber in New-Forest.

A Petition of several of the Inhabitants dwelling in and near the New-Forest, in the County of Southampton, was presented to the House, and read; setting forth, That they hold Lands, from the Crown, near the said Forest; and enjoy and claim Common of Pasture, Turbary, and Panage, therein; and pay Rents to the Crown therefore; That there is a Bill depending in the House for the Increase and Preservation of Timber in the said Forest: And praying to be heard against the said Bill, before it pass this House.

Ordered, That the Consideration of the said Petition be referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom the said Bill is committed.

Salt to be sold by Weight.

A Bill to oblige Retailers of Salt to sell by Weight was, according to Order, read a Second time.

Resolved, That the Bill be committed to Mr. Harley, Colonel Granville, Mr. Shackerley, Mr. Onslow, Sir John Elwell, Mr. Yates, Mr. Lawton, Sir John Bolles, Mr. Perry, Sir Robert Burdet, Mr. Kirby, Lord Castleton, Mr. Baldwin, Sir Gerv. Elwes, Mr. Dore, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Daniell, Mr. Gwyn, Mr. Brotherton, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Bromley, Mr. Mawdit, Mr. Newport, Mr. Colt, Sir Robert Davers, Sir Edward Seaward, Mr. Arnold, Sir Henry Colt, Sir Richard Onslow, Mr. Pagit, Mr. Sanford, Mr. Guy, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Sandys, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Cox, Mr. Foley: And they are to meet this Afternoon at Five a Clock, in the Speaker's Chamber.

Ordered, That it be an Instruction to the said Committee, That they have Power to receive a Clause for the Collection of the Duties upon Salt with the more Ease to the Subject.

Drawback on Salt.

A Motion being made, and the Question being put, That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to explain the Law in Relation to the Drawback upon Rock-Salt;

The House divided.

The Yeas go forth.

So it passed in the Negative.

Purchasing Annuities.

Mr. Lowndes, according to Order, presented to the House an Account of the Contributions made upon the Act, passed the last Session of Parliament, for enlarging the Time for purchasing Reversionary Interests in Annuities for single Lives.

And the same was read; and is as followeth; viz.

29 January 169⁷/8. Wm. Lowndes.

Ordered, That the said Account do lie upon the Table, to be perused by the Members of the House.

Ways and Means.

Then the House, according to the Order of the Day, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of Ways and Means for raising the Supply to be granted to his Majesty; and of Ways and Means for providing for the Deficiencies, and for disbanding the Army.

Mr. Speaker left the Chair.

Sir Thomas Littleton took the Chair of the Committee.

Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair.

Sir Thomas Littleton reported from the said Committee, That they had directed him to move the House, That an Account may be laid before the House, how the Supplies intended yearly to be granted for the Maintenance of the War have fallen short.

Ordered, That an Account be laid before the House, how the Supplies intended yearly to be granted for the Maintenance of the War have fallen short: And that the Secretary to the Treasury do the same.

Sir Thomas Littleton also reported from the said Committee, That he was directed to move the House, That an Account may be laid before the House, as soon as conveniently may be, of what is due to the Quarters in Flanders.

Ordered, That an Account be laid before the House of what is due to the Quarters in Flanders: And that the Lord Ranelagh do the same.

Sir Thomas Littleton also reported from the said Committee, That they had come to several Resolutions; which they had directed him to Report, when the House will please to receive the same.

Ordered, That the said Report be made upon Tuesday Morning next.

Sir Thomas Littleton also acquainted the House, That he was directed by the said Committee to move, That they may have Leave to fit again.

Resolved, That this House will, upon Wednesday Morning next, resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House, to consider further of the Supply to be granted to his Majesty; and of Ways and Means for providing for the Deficiencies, and for disbanding the Army.

Privilege of a Member in a Suit.

Ordered, That the Petition of Andrew Young, relating to Sir Edward Hungerford, be read upon Thursday Morning next: And that Sir Edward Hungerford do then attend in his Place.

And then the House adjourned till Tuesday Morning next, Nine a Clock.