Bridgwater, Somerset (Repair of Bridge and Quay) Act 1697

V. Power to Collectors to enter Ships and see what Goods are unlading. If Duties not paid

Collector may distrain for the same.; And if Duties not paid within Ten Days after Distress taken, may sell the Distress for Payment of Duties, Costs, &c.; Overplus to Master of Ship.

And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid That it shall and may be lawfull to and for the said Collector and Collectors for the time being and every or any of them from time to time and att all times convenient and seasonable to enter into any Shipp or Vessell within the said Port of Bridgewater there to see and informe him and themselves what Goods shall be in the same unlading And in case the said Su[m]m or Su[m]ms of Money ordered and appointed to be paid as aforesaid shall not be paid by the Master or other Person or Persons having the Rule and Co[m]mand of any Shipp or Vessell unlading as aforesaid according to the true Intent & Meaning of this Act That then and so often it shall and may be lawfull to and for the said Collector and Collectors and every or any of them by Warrant first obtained from the Mayor or Aldermen or One of them of the said Borough for the time being under his or their Hands and Seales to take and distraine every such Shipp or Vessell and all Tackle Apparel & Furniture thereunto belonging or any Part thereof and the same to distraine and keep until hee or they be satisfied and paid the said Sums of Money imposed by this Act And in case of Neglect or Delay of or in Payment of the said Su[m]m or Su[m]ms or any of them or any Part thereof within Ten Days next after any such Distresse or Distresses so taken that then it shall and may be lawfull to & for the Collector or Collectors and every or any of them to sell the said Distresse or Distresses so taken and therewith to satisfie him or themselves as well for & concerning the said Duty so neglected or delayed to be paid and for which any Distresse or Distresses shall be so taken as aforesaid And also for his and their reasonable Charges in taking or keeping such Distresse or Distresses rendring to the Master or other Person or Persons having the Rule and Command of the Shipp or Vessel of in or from which such Distresse shall be taken the Overplus if any shall be.