October 1650: An Act for setled Convoys for securing the Trade of this Nation.

October, 1650

[31 October, 1650.]

Commissioners for the Customs not to defalk 15 per cent.

Whereas the Parliament hath resolved, That there shall be Setled and sufficient Convoys to secure the Trade of this Nation; and finding that the Customs, as they are now paid, will not be sufficient to defray the Charge thereof, together with the other Charges of the Navy; Be it Enacted by this present Parliament, and the Authority thereof, That the Commissioners for the Customs and their Deputies, shall not give any Allowance by way of Defalkation of Fifteen per Cent. out of the Receipts for the Customs within the Port of London, from and after the Third day of November, One thousand six hundred and fifty, nor in any of the Out-Ports, from and after the Tenth day of the same Moneth of November, Any former Ordinance or Act of Parliament to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.

Fifteen per cent. to defray charges of Convoys.

And be it further Enacted and Declared by the Authority aforesaid, That all and every Sum and Sums of Money arising, and which shall be Received by the said Commissioners of the Customs and their Deputies, by reason of the taking of the Defalkation of Fifteen per Cent. aforesaid, shall be appropriated onely to the defraying the Charges of the said Convoys, and for or to no other Use or Uses whatsoever.

Captain of Ship to take any reward for convoying.; to forfeit treble value,

And be it likewise Enacted, That no Commander, Captain, Master, nor other Officer or person whatsoever, of or belonging to any Ship or Ships appointed for the said Convoys, shall either directly or indirectly ask, demand, receive or take any Sum or Sums of Money, or other Reward or Gratuity from any Merchant, or other person or persons of this Nation, for or in respect of Guarding or Convoying any Merchant-Ship, or other Ships whatsoever; upon pain, That all and every person and persons so offending, shall for every such Offence lose and forfeit treble the value of every such sum of Money, Reward, or Gratuity, the one moyety thereof to the Use of the Commonwealth, and the other moyety to the person or persons who shall Inform against such Offender or Offenders in the Court of Admiralty, who have hereby Power and Authority to Hear and Determine the same.