After 1st May 1697. cut Whalebone imported, except in Fins, forfeited, and double the Value.
And whereas great Quantities of cutt whalebone fitt for Use are frequently imported in short Lengths and small Parcells by meanes whereof not onely his Majesty is defrauded of the Duties laid thereon but the Merchants importing and the Manufacturers imployed in cutting of Fin-Whalebone are greatly prejudiced and discouraged Be it therefore declared and enacted by the Authority aforesaid That if any Person or Persons Natives or Forreigners Bodies Politick or Corporate shall after the First Day of May One thousand six hundred ninety seven import or bring into this Kingdome of England Dominion of Wales or Towne of Berwick upon Tweed any cutt Whalebone (other then in Fins onely) hee she or they shall forfeit the Goods and double the Value of the said cutt Whalebone so imported One Moiety thereof to His Majesty His Heires and Successors and the other Moiety to him or them that shall seize or sue for the same in any of His Majesties Courts of Record wherein no Essoigne Protection or Wager of Law shall be allowed nor any more then one Imparlance Any thing in this Act or any former Law to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.