Reasons for the Bill for Improvement of the Woollen Manufactures, and preventing Exportation of Wool, &c.  
The Preamble sets forth the Causes of the general decay of the Clothing Trade.  
SEveral Acts have endeavoured to advance it, as the main Commodity that supports this Kingdom; sets the Poor to Work, and will enable the Tenant to pay better Rates for Farms and Tenants to his Landlord: Yet hitherto none could put it into such a posture, as to flourish near that degree it is capable of, if managed to the best advantage. The Act 5 and 6. Ed. 6. c. 6. upon mature advice and with the consent of all concerned in the Clothing Trade as is therein expressed, came the nearest that desired end; by appointing the Mayor and bailiffs, &c. in Corporations to have Searchers to view Cloth if 'twere well Wrought and Dyed; they were to put on their several Seals to testify how it was: And although 10 l. Penalty is upon the Mayor if they neglect it, and 5 l. on him that refuses to be a Searcher, yet this Act has long been disused: which shows the necessity of a more certain Method, where it shall be the sole business and private Interest of Overseers, to take care the Laws be executed; Or the Credit of our Woollen Manufactures will never revive abroad, much less exceed what they formerly had.  
The Reasons of the decay are the false making of Cloth, by intermixing bad stuff with Wool, as Flocks, Pinions, Lambs Wool, and the like deceitful stuff forbid by many Statutes, 4 Ed. 4. c. 1.1. R. 3. c. 8.6. H. 8. c. 9.3. and 4. Ed. 6. c. 2.21. Jac. c. 18. Thus striving out of Covetousness or Idleness rather to make many then good Cloths, pretending they do it to humour the several fancies of each Market, when no doubt he has most buyers whose Cloth is cheap and wears best which induces all to make ufe of it: 'tis rather the number of constant buyers that causes the greater vent of a Commodity, then the speedy Consumption by it's been soon woren out or decayed: upon which the wary buyer first and after all by example quit using of it, and tho variety in the Fashion may support some sorts of Cloth for a while, yet whole Kingdoms at length finding the slightness upon trial of it, forbear to buy any or but little in comparison, this puts the Merchants upon inventing so many new sorts like Drugeds, &c. to support by the novelty their sinking Trade. Besides true close wove Cloth does consume much more Wool, and yet need not be therefore heavy and combersom but by the fineness or courseness of the Wool and thread adapted to the use of all Climates.  
Further our dying of bad Colours makes Foreigners rather desire white Cloths, many of which are exported, by which the Cloth-worker and Dyer both lose as well as the Nation that part of the Manufacturing. Cloth-workers and Dyers have made very great Complaints to the Parliament against the Exportation of Whites; but they may thank themselves, for did they do their work truly 'twould not be so.  
In bad Spinning many hundred weight of Yarn is brought into Markets more fit to be burnt then put into Cloth, &c.  
So the Weaving is loose and false and will continue without some particularly to look after the preventing of it. The fulling is ill performed, and the grease not scowered out; the Aulnegers Duty left off and abused by screwing Farmers, since alienated from the Crown; though of excellent use formerly, by keeping Clothiers to the making of Cloth up to the Statutes.  
Besides exporting Wool and Fullers-earth, with other like Materials for making of Cloth, opens to Foreigners an easy cheaper way to make Cloth, for they taking more pains and care to Manufacture theirs truly, do get the Trade from us with our own Wool; which is exported to them because Wool lies upon Peoples hands here, for want of the vent it formerly had through Cloth exported; so as Foreigners buying it in greater quantities do it also at a lower price then whatever Clothiers here are forced to give the Retailers, who pretend its dear, when themselves by exporting have first rendered it scarce. Thus their Foreign Cloth undersells ours at our own Markets abroad, and they also set up new Marts for themselves in other places with the help of our Wool, without which they could not do it. The Clothier or Grower will hardly export Wool, but only the Retailers whose gains are only in selling it again. Retailers necessitate that the Clothiers cannot make so good nor cheap Cloths, for the most useful and best part of the Wool is always conveyed abroad; for they must humour the Foreign Markets where they can vend vast quantities at once: whereas the Clothier at home has the refuge forced upon him at a dear price, so mixed and disguised that he cannot if he would be sure to make good and cheap Cloths, while Retailers buying their Wool English and Irish in the Fleece make three or four sorts of it by parting of it, the worst of which they sell at above the first cost; and other sorts they sell three, four, six and eight d. a pound above what it first cost. So the Engrossers of Spanish wool in London do raise the price of that Wool from Two to Eight Pence per Pound. Is it therefore fit any should have the buying of Wool, but the Clothier, Weaver, Spinner, cumber, or other known Worker of the same; who though Wool should cost them Twelve Pence per Pound to the Grower, yet would have it cheaper, then as now from the Retailers.  
But to prevent the foresaid Inconveniences say they, will prejudice the Poor, who cannot have Wool sorted ready to their hand to work; but what hinders that the Grower may not sort his Wool, and sell it out in small Parcels, as well as the Retailers: and this Bill is designed to provide that the poor Clothiers may have Wool at the first rate and hand.  
'tis computed there has been within the Memory of Man exported above 300000 Cloths a Year, but of late not 50000. The Counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Sussex and Kent have made Cloth for Exportation only upwards of Thirty Thousand Cloths a Year, and such Cloths as made a great Consumption of Wool, and employed many hands; for the Cloths made there were from 23 to 33 Yards long, and to weigh from 64 to 90 Pounds a Cloth, and now not 1000 Cloths a Year. The Towns of Reading, newberry and Basingstoak have made above 20000 of Cloths 30 Yards long and 90 Pounds weight, now scarce any made there, the Counties of Devon and Cornwall have made like numbers from 25 to 30 Yards long 6 quarters broad and weight above 60 Pounds, and now very little made there. And in many Towns and Parishes in Somerset-shire great quantities have been made for the Merchant of Cloth from 25 to 30 yards 6 quarters, and to weigh above 60 pounds and none at all. Which Cloths kept Thousands at Work, made a vast Consumption of Wool, and thereby kept up the price of it which made the Tenant pay his Landlord well, since the decay of the Woollen Manufactures, Land is fallen, Subjects impoverisnt.  
The foresaid shows there is a decay at home and to satisfy 'tis also as to the Exportations. The Hambrough Company have exported 60000 Cloths yearly, and of late not 15000. The turkey Company have shipped out 40000 Cloths a Year, and now not half, and ●o all Trading Company sproportionably as vast quantities to Russia &c. all which is lost because Cloth is not made accord 〈◇〉 to the Statutes, and if the Cloth were made 〈◇〉 to the Statutes as we propose, no Nation can 〈◇〉 sell us or please the several Markets better.  
And tho in Yorkshire, Col●hester, &c. perhaps a 〈…〉 number of Cloths are made then formerly, yet that is only a private advantage comes to them by the particular Acts for their regulation; but does not amount in the whole Kingdom to the sixth part of so great an Exportation as was Forty Years ago: so that without great Penalties be put upon making bad Cloths, and some Commissioners appointed to levy and see things be performed, the Trade is not like to recover.  
There is no Law for correcting the Abuses in Rowing and Shearing, and though there are for Straining, yet Cloth is strained prodigiously, as one yard in five in length, and in breadth above a quarter and a half, which weakens the Cloth; and none by Law deputed to look after it. Even in the Acts for the West-riding of Yorkshire in King Charles the seconds time, there is no hindrance for Cloth-workers, working of them falsely or sh●ining; and so in the City of London for Worcester and Salisbury Whites: that when they come to Foreign Markets, the buyer crys out false English Cloth.  
Trading Companies lay great Impositions on Woollen Manufactures by which they become dear abroad; Hambrough Company 22 d. on a long and 20 d. on a short Cloth, 12 d. on a Spanish and 6 d. on a serge: and so others do the like. and this levying of Money on the Subject is against Law.  
Want of Statutes for new Draperies as Spanish Cloth is the cause Clothiers make as they please, and put in Flocks Pinions and Lambs Wool; which deceitful stuffs are against Law as to other Statutes Cloths.  
Companies hindering their Members to Trade out of Mart Towns, hinders the vent of Woollen Manufactures, because Commodities should come more in sight of Princes Courts, &c. to tempt such buyers as will not take the pains to sand far for Cloth, especially whilst so false made as it is.  
Great discouragement to the Returns upon Woollen Manufactures in the n●w Book of Rates to the prejudice of their vending abroad, for many Goods imported do hinder the vent of Returns made upon Woollen Manufactures. As Calicoes, raw and wrought Silks from the Indies, France and other places: which do by reason of their Cheapnes obstruct the vending of linen from Germany, and raw Silks from turkey.  
Listly, Excessive Customs some Princes do lay upon our Woollen Manufactures, as from 25 to 30 per Cent. makes them the dearer abroad.   

The Bill sets forth the proper Remedies for recovery of the Woollen Trade.  
1st. Commissioners appointed to look after wool and Woollen Manufactures with necessary Officers under them.  
Why not Commissioners to see to the exporting with all advantages our own native Commodities, as well as to manage and receive the Customs upon imported Foreign ones; for without a spring of Execution, Laws will soon die as experience shows: and without the four Views proposed hereafter to pass upon Cloth, &c. no Man alive can be secure it is truly Manufactured. As First in the raw thread to see if it be even spun and close struck in the Weaving of it( as it is at Celchester by Masters, Wardens and Assistants from which they have gained a Trade) then 'twill last longer, consume more Wool, and be fit for several other uses then now it is; Yet need not be too thicks heavy or combersom to the wearer, but humour the Fancy or Tashion of each Country, as well if not better then now they do. 2ly, Out of the Mill( which performs the Aulnegers Duty) to see Cloth is well scoured and tucked, then 'twill not be liable to be Worm or Moth eaten; for those will not touch Cloth that has no dead Wool in it, and has the Grease and oil clearly got out of it. 3ly, To see it at the Cloth-workers,( which is agreeable to the Stat. 5 and 6. Ed. 6. in Corporations) if its well Rowed and Shorn; that is rises thick, and is even and short, which makes it wear longer without growing bare forces off rain makes it look even, fine and glossy, though not prest with hot Boards, which harshes and decays the Wool. 4thly, a search at the Dyers( which is also according to the foresaid Statute) to see his Colours be good and lasting, and such as will not decay Cloth. No buyer would be willing to be deceived in any of these occasions of searching; and this remedy of all falseness in Cloth is most easy, and done with a great deal of quiet; and so small a Duty as shall be laid on each of the four Views, will defray the whole Charge of Officers, and the Management of the Woollen Manufactures. Some Merchants raise mighty Fortunes by putting their own Seals on and waranting such Cloths, which hold good in the proof, drew a great Trade: These four search Seals being put will be a much greater assurance of good Cloth; and consequently bring it into the highest Estimation abroad; and with the regulation proposed ours will be preferable to the Cloth of any Nation; since none have the means to arrive at the same perfection as we may by our Wool, without which others cannot exceed us: this would make such a vast Consumption of Wool as none would remain Unmanufactured at the Years end, and though it would of itself rise to 12 d. per Pound, yet 'twould be cheaper then now to the Clothiers by which Cloth would not cost so much, tho much better; as now a deceitful useless one does, which is very considerable.  
Also there is a latitude left in this Bill for Commissioners to put such standard to new invented Cloths, which they shall find by consulting the Merchants may be proper to be made for to satisfy the fancy of any Market: so as the Merchant needs not fear being hindered from supplying any Foreigu Customer with such a sort of Cloth as suits their particular humour; only the search will then pass on them to see they come up to such perfection as they pretend to, that the proof may answer the buyers expectations abroad.  
If Wool as is hereby proposed rises of itself to be worth in a way of Trade 12 d. a Pound 'twill not then be worth any Mans while to export it, which is a thing so much desired to be prevented.  
2dly. That Cloth be viewed in the raw thread, then in the water to be measured, and also after rowed and shorn and lastly when dyed if well done.  
Clochester bays have the like view already on them by Act of Parliament, why not upon all other Woollen Manufactures since it succeeds so well there. The view in the water as to fize is by Statutes 25. E. 3. c. 1.27. E. c. 4.17. R. 2 c. 2.11. H. 6. c. 9. The Cloth-workers view is no new thing for the Act 5 and 6. E. 6. empowers Mayors, &c. to appoint Searchers and put their Seals to Cloth; yet that has not been effectual by other business no Salaries and often change but is an evident Argument why there should be Commissioners whose particular care it would constantly be that the Woollen Manufactures be improved: and though it may be said the corruption of Officers may defeat the good thereby expected, yet that is an Argument equal against the best Constitutions; but there is none against the number of them, since the small Duty to be laid in this Bill will maintain every body concerned, as not to be the least burden to any in the Country, and the Commissioners will on Complaint punish any Oppression, &c. Committed by any of their Officers, besides the said Duty laid upon the four several Workers concerned about Cloth is easy instead of the Aulnage and all other Charges which now do lie much heavier on it, as Aulnage 2 and 4 d. and half d. for measuring the Corporation seal 2 d. Inpo sitions by Companies 22 d.  
3d. Penalty on each of the said Views for any fault in any of them.  
Because the Weaver and Cloth-worker usually work by the Yard, the penalty on them is by the Yard; sometimes and in some place; he may w●●● well and others ill, and for that only which he does ill, he is to be punished. The Fuller and Dyer are paid by the piece, so are their faults punished by the piece; but the Cloth is not to be forfeited, only a small fine paid; and the fault marked on the Seal.  
4th. A Seal fixed to Cloth showing truth or falsety in each of the occasions of viewing it.  
This prevents the buyers being cheated in any of the above Particulars, and therefore a Penalty for taking off any of the said Seals.  
5th. A view to be on all Wool, Wosted and Yarn, before exposed to Sale to see it be Merchantable.  
To secure that neither buyer nor seller impose on each other.  
6th. A Statute for length and breadth of new Draperies as Spanish Cloth.  
To prevent Clothiers making of them ad libitum as they now do, they are made sometimes from 28 to 36 yards long see 130 page. of the Book of Rates.  
7th. Power in Commissioners for future new invented Draperies as to length, breadth and weight.  
That they with advice of Clothiers, may set such Standards thereunto, as may be most for the good of the Woollen Manufacture to humour such Markets as Merchants think beneficial.  
8th. That no Imposition be laid by Companies on the Woollen Manufactures.  
They'l say they have a Patent so to do, but is not Trade injured thereby, for so Taxing Cloth makes it dearer abroad, 22 d. on a long Cloth and 20 d. on a short by the Hamborough Company 12 d. on every Spanish Cloth and 6d. on a serge; and other Companies do the like, laying Impositions on Woollen Manufactures which is against Law, and inhances the price, which would not be if the Taxes were laid on the Members, and not on the Manufacture; as other Companies in London do.  
9th. That no Trading Companies hinder their Members to Trade out of their Mart Towns.  
This hinders the vent of Cloth, &c. in such abundance as if their Members might reside with it at Princes Courts in Germany, as the Hollanders and French do, and in great Cities, for Cloth being brought in sight, often draws in buyers that would not unless its goodness were extraordinary, go far to seek it. They might regulate and govern their Members, as well out of as in the Marts Towns. They will say their contracts with such Towns hinders, which being but the nature of private Contracts, and being found prejudicial to the Public, ought not to be kept: and if those Towns take away the privileges they have granted to them, so may the Government here take away the privileges of the Hans Towns enjoyed at the still Yard in London.  
10th. Customs to be on Calicoes, raw and wrought Silts from the Indies and other places, as they may bear like rate with raw Silk from turkey, and linen from Germany.  
We are forced to take raw Silks, &c. from turkey in return for Cloth, and the throwing of it here does not only employ Thousands of Poor, and Seamens Wives; but also wrought Silks made here might if hereby encouraged come to be a good Exporting Commodity: In reason it follows that at least raw Silks and wrought from Indies and France pay such Custom as to make them equivalent in price when thrown( for they are now thrown cheaper then turkey Silk) to what is return'd us for Cloth from turkey in Silk, and from Germany in linen; and if we do not contrive this way to encourage the German Poor in making of linen, they'l not quit, but improve in their way of making Woollen Cloth, as they already do in Silecia of a courser sort.  
11th. Clothiers to wove Christian and surname on Cloths.  
To make an emulation when the Eminent Clothiers name is called for at Foreign Markets, they'l yearly advance to higher perfections in the Manufacture, especially if a prise or reward were to be given to him of every County that show to the Searchers and Commissioners approbation the best and finest piece of Cloth yealy. Also by this Article the Commissioners may give a guess by inspecting the Names on Cloth, before Exportation, if their Searchers do their Duty in the Country; and also see which Clothiers are notorious for making bad Cloths, &c.  
12th. Clothiers not to dispose of Cloths, &c. but at open Fair and Market.  
This is to prevent prejudice to Shop-keepers and Retailers, and that bad Ware be not vended by Haglers up and down; who by under rates inveigle buyers, before the good Cloths brought forth.  
13th. All Materials imported serving the Woollen Manufactures be Custom free but if again Exported to pay the greater Duty.  
This will render our Cloth cheaper and what's made in other Countries dearer by the Duty outwards on Materials, 13 and 14 Car. 2. c. 19. Foreign Wool-cards. Card-wyer or Iron-wyer forbidden to be Imported: so they are not to come in free by this Act.  
14th. Cloth, &c. Sold the buyers are to pay only Water Measure.  
Thus what advantage is in the length of the Cloth by straining, will be to the buyer, for which reason the sellers Interest will not be to injure the Cloth by stretching of it: and the Cloth in a common way of Dressing, will come out more then the accustomend yard of allowance, besides the Clothier and Buyer thus are at certainty what they sell and buy, and what to be paid; and this will be an encouragement of some advantage to the Merchant that exports Cloth the thus exceeds the Water Measure; which must appear on a Seal fixed to the Cloth.  
15th. Imported Goods which are the Effects and Products of our Woollen Manufactures, led, tin, Coals and Fish of English ketching, shall have the benefit of the second, eighth and seventeenth Rules in the Book of Rates allowed them otherwise not.  
This Allowance given upon Imported Goods which the Merchant after would Export, and which appeared to have been at first brought in, as the fruits of the Woollen and other our native Commodities returned hither: will doubtless oblige the Merchant for his own Interest being thus thereunto encouraged; to carry out our Cloths to Foreign Markets as much as he can possibly vend there: And the excellency of the Cloth hereafter above what it was will make all Nations eager to buy it. Then all Princes will lessen their Taxes on so necessary and so improved a Commodity; but if they do not we may easily bring them to it by laying higher Duties on theirs. The East-India Company may complain and our West-India Plantations, but the East-India Company are answered, for they may Trade with Japan, where the Woollen Manufactures are taken off: and then they'l have those Benefits, and since all others are forbid to Trade, and they have the sole Monopoly of those Trades and benefit to themselves; let them give a greater Custom where 'tis now but small, that the King may have some more of the vast Advantages as a hundred per Cent. which they make. If they should have the benefit of those Rules then all our Plantations will be filled with Foreign wrought Silks, which will be great prejudice to our own Silk Broad-weavers of London: which upon Exportation pay Subsidy outward one penny per Pound: Quaere by the Bill for tonnage and Poundage whether that Clause might not yet be mended ( i.e.) that all wrought Silks Imported if Exported shall go out Custom free and all Duties paid upon it be repaid.  
16th. A new W●aping Cloth and Tilleting hereby appointed for to serve in Packing and wraping all Woollen Manufactures in lieu, of French linen and Canvas.  
All Objections will be answered in this, so much Money will be saved now goes into Normandy, and the packing stuff designed will be as light, cheap,& stronger, keep Wool dry and last longer dry then linen. The tilleting stuff when well Woven and scoured, will keep out the Dirt, Worms and Moth, better then the Buckerham; the Merchants now use to wrap the Cloths in that go abroad: And may as well be adorned with any print on the head end and writ upon: But whereas when he sells the Cloth, he used to give away the tillet as nothing worth, this may be sold, for it will be of use: Besides Lambs Wool and Flocks is used for abbing of this tilletting stuff, which will make such consumption of that ●ort of Wool; as it need not be used in Statute Cloth 4. E. 4. and also more Wool sold, the chain of this stuff is to be of long Wool, of which great quantities will be consumed.  
17th, Care for the Towns of Colchester, &c. and West-riding of Yorkshire to have the benefit of Acts made for their Woollen Manufactures.  
These Corporations have Masters, Wardens and Assistants, which is in effect what is desired by Commissioners and Searchers, and may be performed more usefully, and with less corruption, and moderate fines put upon faults committed; they are paid for a search, but this Bill does not interrupt their Proceedings only to see they continue to act accordingly: And only give an account what they search, that thereby may be known what is yearly made.  
18th, Small Duty paid on the 4 foresaid several views of Cloth, &c. to maintain the charge of Commissioners, and all Officers concerned in the said viewing and looking after Woollen Manufactures.  
This is but such a Rate as Corporations do now take, except the Cloth-workers and Dyers search; 'tis reasonable first the King may not be a loser either by paying the said Officers, or in his Customs by this Public Good: Besides consider the 4 several People this Duty is divided amongst to be paid, will be infinite gainers by giving so inconsiderable a Sum to support constant Overseers, to secure that such Worker about Cloth do his part to make it good, that their Trade be thriving and encouraged both at home and abroad; also hereby they will pass through their several hands many more Clothes a Year, and they made much better and cheaper thereby.  
19th, Aulnage duty put down because one of the foresaid views does the same thing, and a compensation to the duchess of Richmond, and to the Farmers if they appear wronged.  
That no body receive any prejudice hereby.  
20th, None concerned in the foresaid Offices, but such as are fit and qualified according to Law.  
That they be not liable by ignorance or corruption to commit faults, which the Commissioners will severely punish; so as the Clothiers and Country shall ever have speedy redress against them.  
21st, This cipher {αβγδ} to be on Cloth for the future to perpetuate the Reign, this past in and distinguish Clothes since made from former ones.  
22d, That who have Wollen wears by them, do give an account after the passing this Act what in quanity and quality  
To see what remains of old store, that the Commissioners may judge of the future increase of the Wollen Trade, and be a check upon all the four views; that they let none pass, made false without marking them.  
23d, That the Wages for under poor 〈…〉 half Year with regard to scarcity and plenty, set by the Justices of the Sessions.  
For Labourers &c. of a different labour from this 'twas so appointed 5th of Eliz. why not with more reason in this when the Weaver, Cloth-worker and Dyer being at a certainty what they must have for their labour, will cheerfully pay for the view and search above expressed when they are no longer oppressed by the Clothier or paid in Goods instead of Money; and often beat down to take too little in reason for their pains. Also this will make it that the poor Clothier may get Workmen, as easily as the rich; for lack of which he is often forced to cease the Trade, while the rich Engross all the Workers.  
24th, Higher Custom on Irish Frees; Scotch linen and Coals till the Scotch take off the Prokibition on our Woollen Manufactures.  
The Scotch bought formerly great quantities of our Cloth, and now none permitted to be imported thither; though much of their linen and Coals does come hither.  
25th. No Wool, Fullers Earth &c. to be exported.  
The benefit of which will be evident if the Regifter of Wool herein be as it is thought so exact, that hardly a lock can be disposed, but so as the Commissioners will be able to guess nearly where and how Manufactured: Since 'tis hardly possible that any combination can be where the chec●s are so many and so strict a view on each other and on the Wool, and in such hands as cannot combine together to elude, but the Improvement of the Cloths will occasion so much a greater consumption of Wool, that it will hear a better price here then when Transported, and that will make none after a while attempt to Export it.  
26th, No Woolsold but at Fair and Market.  
'tis according to an old Law 27 E. 3. c. 1. 22 d. to sell at certain Market Towns openly 6 H. 8. c. 8. no Person shall buy any coloured Wool or Yearn but at open Market 33 H. 8. c. 16. none to buy Yarn but at open Market, and that by Weavers and Artificers. If coloured Wool and Yarn, why not Wool that is Raw.  
27th. No Wool Conveyed from place to place, without the Kings Weighers certificate.  
This to prevent the chief way they now have of conveying it abroad, by carrying of it with a strong Guard from place to place, till at length it get insensibly and undiscerned to the Port and is thence Exported. For by this certificate it is traced from the first remove, and by certificates where ever it goes, watched so as it can hardly escape without the knowledge of the Officers who will stop it.  
28th, To prevent monopolising Wool, the price to be set with Advice of the Clothiers at the Quarter-Sessions.  
Which will make it as cheap to the Poor as to the Rich Clothiers, when buyer and seller know what must be paid for Wool, a great deal of delay and uncertainty in bargaining will be avoided; and the Sale of Wool be the quicker, and be then every Mans Money like Gold and Silver at a certain Standard. Besides, prevent the Clothiers forcing the Grower to part with his Wool at what low rate he and his Fellow Trades-men have agreed to give. The Gentry thus consulting the Clothier in the Face of the Country, are unlikely to put any unreasonable price: But this will be a just medium between the owners of Wool and Workers thereof, and increase the number of Clothiers when all can have Wool at the same price.  
29th. Importers of Wool give the Commissioners account what they import.  
By this the Commissioners will know what's Yearly Imported, and keep an account thereof; by which they may from what is yearly Manufactured, find if any of it be otherwise employed.  
30th, Wool worsted, and Yarn to be sold at Market and Fair, and Weighed by the Kings Weigher.  
This is agreeable to the Statute 27 E. 3. C. 1 and 22d. but if those Towns and Fairs the Parliament tha● appoint Wool to be sold in, should have any Grant by Parent to wei●h Wool; then the weigher of Wool there shall be sworn to do it as for the King, to have a Beam with his mark: And perform to all Intents and Purposes, as other the Kings Weighers are to do to the Commissioners upon the like penalty for any default. The Weighers are to see Wool, &c. be Merchantable and justly weighed between buyer and seller: And that he may Register all, and transmit fair Copies to the Commissioners, all which is to render it still more difficult to deceive them.  
31. Wool sold at certain Towns.  
To be name as convenient in all Countries as may be, but at such a distance from the Sea; as may make it uneasy to be transported.  
32d. person of the Parish give an account of remains of Wool in each Parish to the Commissioners aforesaid.  
This will be the exactest Register that can be, of all growing Wool and dead Wool; and easiest executed: Because the Minister does it already in a manner for himself to ascertain what his tithe is, and why not take a little more trouble to advance so public a good.  
33d. All growers of Wool, and importers to give yearly an account what they have shorn or sold.  
This will be another good check to know what is done with Wool.  
34th, That Wool buyers may be known to be Workers of what they buy, they must have licence to buy the same.  
Not to buy Wool without licence first obtained seems reasonable, that the Commissioners may take good security, that he who buys Wool do not Engross and turn Merchant of that commodity; but Work it into Manufacture himself: Or else most of the Clothiers would follow only the buying of Wool, and make a Trade of selling it to others, which would lessen the number of Clothiers, and such as would otherwise Manufacture it themselves.  
35th, None sell Wool but Grower, Importer or Fell-puller.  
For by Law none even now ought to retail Wool but Norwich and Hallifax, who are permitted by Statute so to do 1 E. 6. c. 6. 2 and 3. and Ma. c. 13. and this will prevent the Engrossing and Monoplizing it as now they do, buying up great quantities when it bears a low price, which undoes the Grower or Estated Man, when his Tenants can have but little for their Wool: Then after these Retailers have stored up great Magazines of Wool, they can by the scarcity agree to set what price they please upon the Clothier and other Workers of it, which renders our Woollen Manufactures dear; and by their deceitful sorting of it, not to be made good as it would be otherwise.  
36th, None to buy Wool Wosted and Yarn, but the licenced Clothiers and known Workers of it.  
They should renew their Licenses every Year for 12d. then they will for their own profit when so on their good behaviour, by being under the constant care and spur of the Commissioners, Manufacture Cloth, &c. as it should be, since they have the means and encouragement thereby to gain the Markets abroad, which will leave little or no wast Wool at the Years end in the Kingdom.  
37th, The Wheigher keep a Register of all his doings  
Of which he is to transmit a fair Copy quarterly to the Commissioners, which will be an ease by the method and order of things to the Commissioners, and make their pains the less.  
38th, A small rate set for the charge of the Kings Beam and Weighing.  
This is no more then as at present in Fairs, when they weigh Wool and pay so much a toad, and have not that justness and security therein between buyer and seller, as this will occasion.  
39th, This Act be red yearly in the Parish Churhes to promulge it.  
40th, All Penalties to be levied by distress upon the Commissioners Order.  
For unless the levying of Penalties and Duties( which are the chief obligation to cause Men to apply themselves to the several parts of the woollen Manufactures, according to the Commissioners directions) be not to be got up in a very easy speedy manner; all the other Branches of this Bill, will be ineffectual to the Public Good to which it tends.  
If these reasons aforementioned are not all demonstrative, yet probably they may open a way to have a Law passed, that may be of great benefit to this Kingdom; in the full Improvement of the Woollen Manufactures thereof. All which is humbly submitted to the Wisdom of the Parliament.  
FINIS.