[1702/6/54]¹

Legislation

Act enabling her majesty to appoint commissioners to treat for a union between the two kingdoms of Scotland and England

The estates of parliament, considering that a union of the two kingdoms of Scotland and England has for a long time and often been desired for the mutual good and greater happiness of both nations, and that the late King William, of blessed memory, did some years ago propose it to the estates of this kingdom, and of late recommended it to the parliament of England, and likewise her majesty who now reigns has, out of her royal care and zeal for the welfare of her subjects, renewed the same desire to the parliaments of both kingdoms, and that in compliance with this her royal purpose the parliament of England has passed an act for enabling her majesty to appoint commissioners to treat for a union between the said kingdoms. And the estates of parliament, being fully satisfied that the said union is needful and would be very advantageous for the defence of the true Protestant religion and for the better preserving and establishing the peace, safety and happiness of both kingdoms, therefore her majesty, with advice and consent of the said estates of parliament, does enact, statute and ordain that such persons and quorum thereof as shall be nominated and appointed by her majesty under the great seal of this kingdom shall have full power and commission. Likewise her majesty, with advice and consent, does hereby give and grant full power, commission and authority to the said persons and their quorum to convene and meet at such time and times and in such place and places as her majesty shall please to appoint, to treat and consult with such commissioners as shall be nominated and authorised by her majesty in manner foresaid in behalf of the parliament and kingdom of England of and concerning such a union of the kingdoms of Scotland and England, and of and concerning such other matters, causes and things whatsoever as the said commissioners or quorum thereof assembled and the said commissioners to be nominated by her majesty for the parliament and kingdom of England in manner above-mentioned shall, according to the tenor of their respective commissions, think necessary or convenient for the honour of her majesty and the union, common good and welfare of both the realms forever. And the said commissioners for both the said kingdoms shall, according to the tenor of their respective commissions, set down and reduce their proceedings in the said matter into four several writings or instruments, each of them to be subscribed and sealed by the commissioners and their quorum, to the end that one of these writings or instruments may in all humility be presented to the queen's majesty and another of the said writings or instruments to be offered to the parliament of Scotland and the other two of the said writings or instruments to be offered to the parliament of England at their next sessions to be held in each kingdom respectively, after such writings or instruments shall be subscribed and sealed by the said commissioners, and that thereupon such further proceedings may be had as by her majesty and both the said parliaments shall be thought fit and necessary for the well and common good of both kingdoms, to which parliaments the entire consideration of the whole and the allowing or disallowing of the same, or any part thereof as they shall think fit, is wholly reserved. And it is further provided that no matter or thing to be treated of, proposed or agreed by the said commissioners by virtue of this act shall be of any strength or effect whatsoever until it be first confirmed and established by the authority and an act of the parliament of Scotland.