THe Lords and Commons assembled in the High Court of Par­liament of England, taking into consideration▪ That nothing more inricheth this Kingdome then Commerce, whereby the Navigation thereof is much increased, especially in Fishing Voyages, and therefore ought to be incouraged. Vpon the humble Petition presented from the Fellowship of Mer­chants of England, for discovery of new Trades Adventurers to Greenland: shewing, That they were the first Discoverers of that Countrey, and for many yeers successively have maintained the Fishing there, which hath beene a great increase of many Sea-men, and many Ships [...]eerely imployed, to the great benefit of this Kingdome. But of late yeers have beene much pre­iudiced, for that great quantities of Whale Oyle of Strangers Fishing are per­mitted to be imported into this Kingdome more then it can spend. By meanes whereof, the said Petitioners, and others His Maiesties Subiects trading thither, have not vent for theirs: Which without some speedy prevention will disable them from continuing their Fishings into those parts, to the hazard of the losse of that Countrey unto Strangers (so long desired by them) be­ing subiect to the Crowne of England. And likewise taking into considera­tion, That in other Kingdoms and States the importation of Whale Oyle and Fins are not permitted to any but the Subiects of those Kingdoms and States of their owne Fishing, Doe therefore Order and Ordaine, That no Whale Oile, nor Fins, nor Gils, commonly called Whale-bone, either wrought or unwrought, shall hereafter be imported into any Port, Haven, or Greek of this Kingdome from any forraigne parts whatsoever, other then what are immediately fished in Greenland by the Subiects of this Kingdome, and in Ships set out from hence, under penalty of Confiscation. And all Cu­stomers, Comptrollers, Searchers, Waiters, and all other Officers in their severall and respective places are hereby required to attend the due execution thereof, and not to permit or suffer any Whale Oyle, nor Fins, nor Gils, as aforesaid, to be imported into this Kingdome, or colourably customed for any other Goods or Merchandize, but that they doe forthwith seize and take the same into their custodie, one Moyety for the use and benefit of the State, and the other Moyety for the said Fellowship towards their charges. And all Iu­stices of the Peace, Maiors, Bailiffs, Sheriffs, Constables, Headboroughs, and all other His Maiesties Officers in their severall and respective places are hereby commanded and required to be aiding and assisting therein, as they will answer the contrary at their perils.