[1706/10/95]¹

Procedure: sixth article read, debated and continued; report requested

Then the sixth article of the union was read and, after some reasoning thereon, there was a proposal given in for adding the following clause to the end of the sixth article, namely except in so far as shall be rectified by this parliament upon the consideration of the subsequent articles.

Which, being read and discoursed upon, there was another proposal given in for enlarging and explaining the said sixth article in these terms, namely: and seeing by the laws of England now standing there are rewards granted upon the exportation of certain kinds of grain wherein oats is not specified, that from and after the union when oats shall be at 15s per quarter or under, there shall be paid 2s 6d for every quarter of oatmeal exported in the terms of the laws whereby rewards are granted for exportation of other grains, and in respect there is a duty upon oats imported into England but no duty upon oatmeal, the importing of which is a prejudice and discouragement to tillage, therefore that, from and after the union, the quarter of oatmeal be discerned equal to three quarters of oats and pay duty accordingly when imported to Scotland from any place whatever beyond the sea.

Which, being likewise read, after some further reasoning, it was moved that the observations, in relation to the balance of the trade of this nation, made by the council of trade should be laid before the parliament. And after debate thereupon, the further consideration of the said sixth article and motions was delayed until the next sederunt of parliament, to be then resumed prior to all other business, and ordered that the observations made by the council of trade be then laid before the parliament.