¶ An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled . Prohibiting the Importation of Whale-Oyle , Fins , or Gils , but by Ships set forth from hence , and by English Subjects . Die Martis 6. Maii. 1645.

THe Lords and Commons assembled in the High Court of Parliament of England , taking into consideration ▪ That nothing more inricheth this Kingdome then Commerce , whereby the Navigation thereof is much increased , especially in Fishing Voyages , and therefore ought to be incouraged . Vpon the humble Petition presented from the Fellowship of Merchants of England , for discovery of new Trades Adventurers to Greenland : shewing , That they were the first Discoverers of that Countrey , and for many yeers successively have maintained the Fishing there , which hath beene a great increase of many Sea-men , and many Ships ●eerely imployed , to the great benefit of this Kingdome . But of late yeers have beene much preiudiced , for that great quantities of Whale Oyle of Strangers Fishing are permitted to be imported into this Kingdome more then it can spend . By meanes whereof , the said Petitioners , and others His Maiesties Subiects trading thither , have not vent for theirs : Which without some speedy prevention will disable them from continuing their Fishings into those parts , to the hazard of the losse of that Countrey unto Strangers ( so long desired by them ) being subiect to the Crowne of England . And likewise taking into consideration , That in other Kingdoms and States the importation of Whale Oyle and Fins are not permitted to any but the Subiects of those Kingdoms and States of their owne Fishing , Doe therefore Order and Ordaine , That no Whale Oile , nor Fins , nor Gils , commonly called Whale-bone , either wrought or unwrought , shall hereafter be imported into any Port , Haven , or Greek of this Kingdome from any forraigne parts whatsoever , other then what are immediately fished in Greenland by the Subiects of this Kingdome , and in Ships set out from hence , under penalty of Confiscation . And all Customers , Comptrollers , Searchers , Waiters , and all other Officers in their severall and respective places are hereby required to attend the due execution thereof , and not to permit or suffer any Whale Oyle , nor Fins , nor Gils , as aforesaid , to be imported into this Kingdome , or colourably customed for any other Goods or Merchandize , but that they doe forthwith seize and take the same into their custodie , one Moyety for the use and benefit of the State , and the other Moyety for the said Fellowship towards their charges . And all Iustices of the Peace , Maiors , Bailiffs , Sheriffs , Constables , Headboroughs , and all other His Maiesties Officers in their severall and respective places are hereby commanded and required to be aiding and assisting therein , as they will answer the contrary at their perils .