The limits of this navigation and haven are from South Biddick or Biddick Ford, including the port and haven of Sunderland, as the same extends from Souter Point, two miles from Sunderland Bar to the north-east, into the sea to five fathoms at low water, and from thence in a supposed direct line till it falls opposite to a point called Ryhope Dean, two miles to the south.
To carry this act into execution, a great number of commissioners are appointed, whose qualification is to consist of real estate of the clear yearly value of £200, or a personal estate of £6,000; they are authorized to deepen and cleanse the said river; to enlarge the channel to the mouth thereof; to contract the entrance; build and repair piers, quays, capsterns, mooring-anchors, posts, landing-places, warehouses, and all other machinery, apparatus and works, for carrying on and maintaining the free navigation of this river; and for these purposes, authority is given to the commissioners to borrow any sum of money required, on security of the following
RATES AND DUTIES.
| For all Coals or Cinders brought to this River between South Biddick or Biddick Ford and Sunderland, and from any Staith within the limits of this Act; and for all Coals or Cinders brought to the said River between South Biddick and the City of Durham, every Coal Owner shall pay | 4½d per Chaldron of 72 Bushels. |
| Ditto to be paid by every Fitter or Coal Factor | 1½d ditto. |
EXEMPTION FROM DUTIES.
Cinders burnt from Coals, subject to the previous Duties, are exempt from the Duties hereby imposed for Cinders shipped for exportation or water-borne to any other Place; as also Coals consumed in making Salt, Glass, Glass Bottles, Vitriol, Copperas, Earthenware, Bricks, Tiles, and burning Lime-stone into Lime.
TONNAGE DUTY ON SHIPS USING THE PORT.
| For every Ship or Vessel entering the said Port (excepting for) safety only and departing without taking any fresh loading) for each Voyage, not exceeding three in the Year | 1d per Ton, Register. |
LIGHT-HOUSE AND REFUGE DUTY.
| For every Ship or other Vessel entering the said River or Port of Sunderland (in addition to the above Rates) once in every Voyage | 1s 0d. |
| And for every Two Tons of the Burthen of such Ship or Vessel | 0s 1½d. |
| For every Ship entering for safety only and departing without taking any fresh loading | 0s 1½d per Ton, Register. |
Owners of Ships in the Lime Trade may compound for their Duties.
King's Ships are exempt.
