Taxation Act 1696

XXVII. Recital of Advantages of making the best Writing Paper in this Kingdom; and that White Rags were used in making Brown Paper.

Using White Linen Rags for making Brown Paper, &c.; Penalty £5.

And whereas the making the best and finest sorts of Writing Paper in England hath kept great Su[m]ms of Money in this Kingdom which formerly were sent to France and other Forreigne Parts to buy the same and for as much as there are made in this Kingdome White Linen Rags sufficient to make all sorts of Writing Paper not onely for the Use of the Subjects of this Kingdome but likewise to export to Forreigne Parts beyond the Seas did not many Persons beat upp and mingle such White Rags with Ropes Netts and Sail cloth for the making of Browne Paper X1 which may be made as well without the [X2 Rags] to the great hindrance and discouragement of making White Writing Paper in this Kingdome Be it therefore enacted by the Authority aforesaid That from and after the Five and Twentieth Day of March One thousand six hundred ninety seven no Person or Persons whatsoever within this Kingdome of England Dominion of Wales or Towne of Berwick upon Tweed shall use or cause to be used any White Linen Rags for making of Browne or Course Papers for making of any other sort of Paper but such sorts of Paper onely as are generally deemed esteemed or taken to be and are co[m]monly called or knowne by the Name of White Writing or Printing Paper And if any Person or Persons whatsoever shall beat upp or cause to be beat up and used any White Linen Rags for making any sort or sorts of Paper whatsoever except White Writing or Printing Paper as aforesaid such person or persons so offending shall for every such Offence forfeit and pay the Su[m]m of Five Pounds One Moiety thereof to His Majesty His Heires and Successors and the other Moiety thereof to such person or persons who shall prosecute, and sue for the same to be recovered by Action of Debt Bill Plaint or Information in any of His Majesties Courts of Record wherein no Essoign Protection Priveledge or Wager of Law shall be allowed or more than one Imparlance.

Editorial Information

X1 “and other sorts of course Paper,” O. and in King's Printer's Copy.

X2 “White Rags,” O. and in King's Printer's Copy.