House of Lords Journal Volume 16: 27 March 1697

DIE Sabbati, 27 Martii.

Domini tam Spirituales quam Temporales præsentes fuerunt:

PRAYERS.

Answer from H.C. concerning Admiralty Commissioners attending.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Colonel Granville and others:

To acquaint this House, that the Commons have resolved, that such Members of their House as are Commissioners of the Admiralty have Leave to attend the Lords Committees appointed to make an Inquiry concerning the Thoulon Squadron's getting into Brest without any Opposition, in April One Thousand Six Hundred Ninety-six, according to the Desire of this House in the Message of the Twentieth Instant.

L. Culpeper versus L. Fairfax's Bill:

Whereas Tuesday next was appointed for hearing the Lord Culpeper, by himself or Counsel, against the Bill, intituled, "An Act to enable Thomas Lord Fairsax of the Kingdom of Scotland to raise Monies, charged by Thomas Lord Culpeper deceased upon his Estate:"

It is this Day ORDERED, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the Lord Culpeper shall be heard, as above, on Wednesday the Seventh Day of April next, at Eleven of the Clock.

Message from H.C. with a Bill; and to return the one for Relief of Creditors in Cases of Bankruptcy.

A Message from the House of Commons, by Sir Thomas Littleton and others:

Who brought up a Bill, intituled, "An Act for making good the Deficiencies of several Funds therein mentioned, and for enlarging the Capital Stock of the Bank of England, and for raising the Public Credit;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Brotherton and others:

To return the Bill, intituled, "An Act for Relief of Creditors, by making Compositions with their Debtors, in case Two Thirds in Number and Value do agree;" and to acquaint this House, that they have agreed to the Lords Amendments made therein.

Sir W. Thompson's Bill.

The Earl of Rochester reported from the Committee, the Bill, intituled, "An Act for the speedy Payment of the Debts of Sir William Thompson Knight, Serjeant at Law, deceased," as sit to pass, with One Amendment.

Which, being read Twice, was agreed to; and the Bill ordered to be engrossed, with the said Amendment.

Party Guiles Bill concerning; and to prevent Frauds in the Excise.

The House was adjourned during Pleasure, and put into a Committee upon the Bill, intituled, "An Act for repealing a Clause in a former Act, relating to Party Guiles; and for the better preventing Frauds and Abuses of Brewers and others chargeable with the Duties of Excise."

After some Time, the House was resumed.

And the Lord Herbert of Chirbury reported, "That the Committee had gone through the said Bill; and think it sit to pass, without any Amendment."

Message from H. C. with a Bill.

A Message from the House of Commons, by Sir William Strickland and others:

Who brought up a Bill, intituled, "An Act for the Repair of the Piers of Bridlington, alias Burlington, in the East Riding of the County of York;" to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.

C. of Derby versus E. of Derby.

This Day being appointed for the Earl of Derby to answer the Petition of the Lady Dorothea Helena Countess Dowager of Derby, his Mother; which he having not done:

It is ORDERED, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That the Earl of Derby do attend this House on Monday next, at Eleven of the Clock, and bring with him his Answer to the said Petition.

Moyle's Bill:

Hodie 3^a vice lecta est Billa, intituled, "An Act for vesting Part of the Estate of Richard Moyle Gentleman in Trustees, to be sold, for Payment of Debts."

The Question was put, "Whether this Bill shall pass?"

It was Resolved in the Affirmative.

Message to H. C. with it.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Sir Richard Holford and Mr. Pitt:

To carry down the said Bill, and desire their Concurrence thereunto.

Question to be asked Sir G. Rooke.

The Lord Herbert of Chirbury reported from the Lords Committees, appointed the Second of December last, to consider of the Answers received from the Commissioners of the Admiralty, pursuant to the Orders of the Seven and Twentieth of November last, some Questions to be asked Sir George Rooke.

Which are as follow; (videlicet,)

"If Sir George Rooke had any other Order than the King's, for his coming from Cadiz?"

"What Strength he had at Cadiz? And what Proportion it bore in relation to the Thoulon Squadron?"

If he had known the Service he was designed for, where he would have joined the Force he was to meet?"

"What Force he met, both of English and Dutch, in The Downes, when he came there?"

In what Condition he found His Majesty's Ships in The Downes, when he came there with his Squadron?"

"Where he met his First Orders in The Channel?"

"If he received any Order to call at Spithead, and where he received it?"

If he did not write to the Admiralty, and give his Reasons why 'twas better to stay at Spithead than go into The Downes; and, if he did, what Answer was sent him by the Admiralty?"

ORDERED, by the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament assembled, That Sir George Rooke do give his Answer, in Writing, to the above mentioned Questions, so soon as his Health will permit.

Adjourn.

Dominus Custos Magni Sigilli declaravit præsens Parliamentum continuandum esse usque ad et in diem Lunæ, (videlicet,) vicesimum nonum diem instantis Martii, hora undecima Aurora, Dominis sic decernentibus.