The 1767 Act of Parliament
The Act of Parliament was presented to the House in January 1767 and, after a minor Objection from Thomas Browns of Skeins, was made Law on 20th May 1767. The preamble read:
An Act for improving the Navigation of the River Hull and Frodingham Beck, from Aike Beck Mouth to the Clough, on the East Corner of Fisholme, and for extending the said Navigation, from the said Clough, into or near the Town of Great Driffield, in the East Riding of the County of York.
Commissioners were appointed by the Act to develop the navigation and cut the Canal to Driffield They were empowered to borrow any sum of money, on security of the rates and duties and, for the repayment of this and legal interest, the Act empowered them to demand the following tonnage rates:
| Cargo | Rate of duty |
|---|---|
| Wheat, Rye Beans. Peas or Rapeseed | 0s 6d per Quarter |
| Malt, Oats, Barley, or any other grain | 0s 4d per Quarter |
| Meal or Flour | 0s 6d per sack |
| Coal, CuIm, or Cinders | 3s 6d per Chaldron of 48 Bushels |
| Brick, Stone, Tile or Lime for Building | 3s 6d per Ton. |
| All other goods, Wares or Merchandiseg | 4s 0d per Ton |