1800: 41 George 3 (G.B.) c.25: An Act for allowing the Importation of undressed Hemp, from any of the Countries that lie within the Limits of the exclusive Trade of the East India Company, free of Duty.
[31st December 1800.]
‘WHEREAS it is expedient that the Importation of undressed Hemp, or any other vegetable Substance of the Nature and Quality of undressed Hemp, and applicable to the same Purposes, being of the Growth or Production of any of the Countries within the Limits of the exclusive Trade of the East India Company, should be encouraged;’ be it enacted by the King’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same,
[Undressed Hemp the Produce of the Countries within the exclusive Trade of the East India Company, may be imported as any other Goods free from Duty.]
That, from and after the first Day of January one thousand eight hundred and one, all undressed Hemp, or any other vegetable Substance of the Nature and Quality of undressed Hemp, and applicable to the same Purposes, being of the Growth or Production of any of the Countries within the Limits of the exclusive Trade of the East India Company, may be imported into this Kingdom, in the same Manner, and under the like Rules, Regulations, and Restrictions, as any other Goods or Commodities, the Produce of the said Countries, may now by Law be imported, without being subject or liable to any Duty whatever; any Law or Statute to the contrary notwithstanding.
[But the East India Company may receive the Duty payable to them.]
II. Provided always, and be it enacted, That nothing herein contained shall prevent or hinder the United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies, from demanding and receiving any Duty or Allowance now due and payable to the said Company by virtue of any Act or Acts of Parliament.