¶ An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament Assembled. Prohibiting the Importation of whale-oil, Fins, or gills, 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 kingdom than Commerce, whereby the Navigation thereof is much increased, especially in Fishing Voyages, and therefore ought to be encouraged. Upon the humble Petition presented from the Fellowship of Merchants of England, for discovery of new Trades Adventurers to Greenland: showing, That they were the first Discoverers of that country, and for many years successively have maintained the Fishing there, which hath been a great increase of many seamen, and many Ships ●eerely employed, to the great benefit of this kingdom. But of late years have been much prejudiced, for that great quantities of Whale oil of Strangers Fishing are permitted to be imported into this kingdom more than it can spend. By means whereof, the said Petitioners, and others His majesty's subjects 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 loss of that country unto Strangers (so long desired by them) being subject to the crown of England. And likewise taking into consideration, That in other Kingdoms and States the importation of Whale oil and Fins are not permitted to any but the subjects of those Kingdoms and States of their own Fishing, do therefore Order and ordain, That no Whale oil, nor Fins, nor gills, commonly called Whale-bone, either wrought or unwrought, shall hereafter be imported into any Port, Haven, or Greek of this kingdom from any foreign parts whatsoever, other than what are immediately fished in Greenland by the subjects of this kingdom, and in Ships set out from hence, under penalty of Confiscation. And all Customers, Comptrollers, Searchers, Waiters, and all other Officers in their several and respective places are hereby required to attend the due execution thereof, and not to permit or suffer any Whale oil, nor Fins, nor gills, as aforesaid, to be imported into this kingdom, or colourably customed for any other Goods or merchandise, but that they do forthwith seize and take the same into their custody, one moiety for the use and benefit of the State, and the other moiety for the said Fellowship towards their charges. And all justices of the Peace, mayors, Bailiffs, Sheriffs, Constables, Headboroughs, and all other His majesty's Officers in their several and respective places are hereby commanded and required to be aiding and assisting therein, as they will answer the contrary at their perils.  

ORdered by the Lords in Parliament assembled, that this Ordinance be forthwith printed and published.  
Joh. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum.    

London printed for John Wright at the King's Head in the Old Bayley. 8. May. 1645.