Lace Act 1697

IV. Proviso for taking off Seizure where Goods seized afterwards believed to be English.; Notice and other Proceedings.

If within Ten Days no Person undertakes to prosecute, Goods to be delivered back, on Oath of Belief that they are English.; Perjury.

Provided neverthelesse That if any Bone-lace Needle-work Point or Cutt-work shall be by any Person seised and carried to any Custome house as Forreigne which the said Seizer shall upon further Examination believe to be English it shall and may be lawfull for the said Person to take off his Seizure giving publick Notice in Writing by a Paper or Papers affixed att the Door of the Custome-house and the Guild-hall or other most public place where the said Seizure is made of the said Seizure and of the Quantity and Kind of Goods so seized to the end that any other Person or Persons may view the said Goods and prosecute for the same if hee or they shall think fitt and in case no Person shall within Ten days after such Notice undertake to prosecute for the same the same shall be delivered back to the Proprietor thereof Oath being first made by the said Proprietor or some knowne Person on his behalfe that the said Goods and every part of them are (to the best of his knowledge and beleife) English made and an Account being also given upon Oath where and of whome the said Goods were bought (which said Oath or Oaths any Justice of the Peace for the County Towne or Place where the said Goods so seized then are is hereby impowered and required to administer and to certifie the same att the next General or Quarter Sessions to be held for such County Towne or Place) and if any Person shall upon such Oath or Oaths wilfully forswear him or her selfe hee or she so offending shall be liable to and suffer all Penalties and Forfeitures appointed or inflicted for Perjury by the Common or Statute Laws of this Realme.