[Appendix A(17) 1792 Report of Commissioners of Inquiry]

N° 17.

INSTRUCTIONS to the Commissioners.

Proposals to be laid before His Majesty by the 24 Keys, the Representatives of the People of the Isle of Man.

THAT all Goods of the Growth, Produce, or Manufactory of the said Isle, may be imported into Great Britain or Ireland free of all Duty and Custom ; and that afterwards upon the Exportation of Linnen Cloath, (the Manufacture of This Isle). from England, the same Bounty be allowed as is upon Irish Linnens. And that also the Produce, Manufactorys, and. Grocerys of Great Britain may be imported into this Isle free of Dutys.

2dly. That the Natives and Inhabitants of the said Isle be allowed the same Liberty, and Freedom of Trade to Africa and America, and other His Majestyes Subjects of Great Britain, together with the Liberty and Privilege of. Fishing. and curing; Fish on the Coast of Great Britain.and elsewhere, with the Benefit of Bounty, as is at present allowed to His Majesty's subjects of Great Britain.

3dly. That the Merchants and Traders of the said Isle be allowed: to import and carry into said Isle from any Foreign Port, Brandy, Wine, and. other strong and distilled. Waters; .as, also:-Rum from any of His Majesty's Plantations abroad, Duty free; and the same to be lodged in Stores, under the inspection of His Majesty's Officers. And that they be afterwards allowed to export the said Goods (after the necessary Allowance for the island's Consumption) into Great Britain or Ireland, on entering into Bonds that no Part thereof shall be imported: and carryed into the said Kingdoms in a clandestine Way, but on the Payment of Dutys as aforesaid. And that the Merchants be also allowed to export Brandys, Wines, and other strong Waters to the Coast of Africa on Bond, that no part may be landed in Great Britain and Ireland as aforesaid.

4thly. That all Teas and other East India Goods now in the Isle may be imported into the Kingdom of Ireland upon payment of the Irish Duty; otherwise that the Honourable the East India company do purchase the same here upon the Spot, at the Price of 5 per Cent under the Rates and Prices of such Goods at last East India Company's Sales at London ; and that all Brandys, Rum and other Spirituous Liquors and Wine, now in the Isle may be also exported to the Coast of Africa. on Bond as aforesaid, if the Merchants shall be proper so to do.

5thly. That His Majesty will be graciously pleased to grant his protection to the Society lately established in the Isle for the Encouragement, of Agriculture and Manufactorys.

6thly. That His Majesty will be graciously pleased to recommend to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland the Repeal of an Act or Law now subsisting there, which precludes and debarrs the Merchants and People of the Isle from suing for and recovering Debts due them by Persons residing in the said Kingdom, and to enable the Inhabitants of this Isle to recover their said just Demands, notwithstanding said Law.

7thly. That as the Legislative Body of the Isle have, from Time to Time, borrowed several Sums of Money to carry on some Repairs and other Improvements in the several Ports and Harbours, and have engaged the Public Faith and Credit to re-imburse the same out of the Money arising on certain Customs, chargeable on the Importation of Rum, Brandy, Teas, &c. That as there is now resting due on said Securities several Sums not exceeding 7001. which, by the present System and Change, will be become insufficient to discharge the said Debts. It is therefore recommended and humbly hoped that some equitable Plan may be fallen upon to re-imburse and discharge the said Publick Debts.

N. B. In Case the Fourth Proposal is not agreed to, Application must be made for Twelve Months Time to dispose of all Goods on Hands, for Six Months Time is not sufficient.

You will soon hear how far Things are extended against us, and thereon you can form new Plans that do not at present occur, which no Doubt you will make proper Use of, and take Measures accordingly.

If there is any Probability of obtaining Liberty to import East India Goods for the Use of the African Trade, by all Means it must be applyed for.

If the Third Proposal is not granted, you must remember to apply for the Liberty of a Quantity of Wine, Brandy, Rum, and Tobacco, sufficient for the Use and Consumption, of the Island, Duty free, or on Payment of the accustomed Dutys of the Isle.

21st March, 1765-By Order of the House,

GEORGE MOORE.

A true Copy from the journal of the House of Keys,
this 28th Day of September, 1791, by
John Lace, a Member.