Section LXXIV Ships not in the Service of the said Company, cleared from England for the East Indies, before 1st July 1698, not liable to Forfeitures.

Provided also and be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid That nothing in this Act shall extend or be construed to extend to make any Shipps (not in the Service of the said Governor and Company of Merchants of London trading into the East Indies) which were cleared outwards from England or else where for the East Indies or Limits aforesaid before the First Day of July One thousand six hundred ninety eight or the lading thereof (so as they return into some Port of this Kingdom without breaking Bulk in any Part of Europe to be liable to any of the Penalties or Forfeitures in this Act Any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.