Contributions
2,740 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)Perhaps it might not be as ambitious as me, but it certainly has access to detailed information and the resources to properly conduct the review. The Treasury should be allowed to…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)The clause introduces identity verification requirements for individuals delivering documents to the registrar. It also requires that when an individual acts on behalf of another,…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I think the hon. Gentleman asked me to address two points. First, he asked how we will ensure that the documents filed are accurate. That goes back to the risk-based approach that…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I fully recognise the concerns expressed across the Committee about our oversight of corporate service providers. As I say, we should not mix up the many bone fide companies and…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I am keen to make sure that the system works, whether by licensing or by some other means. There are lots of different options for what might be described as a system that is fit…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)We are on the same page about ensuring that the system is fit for purpose. It is difficult for me to do a review when the Treasury itself is doing one and is probably better…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I beg to move amendment 9, in clause 65, page 55, line 3, at end insert “and section 167M(2) does not impose any obligation on a company in relation to the person”. This amendment…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms Bardell. Amendment 9 is a technical amendment. Clause 65 enables the Secretary of State to exempt a person from identity…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)Perhaps I could give the hon. Lady some examples of the kinds of individuals the exemption might apply to. We expect the exemption to be used on very rare occasions, for…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I am happy to reflect on that and have further discussion. As the hon. Lady and other Members know, I am keen for Parliament to have scrutiny of any measures that we introduce. We…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I am not aware of the countries to which the hon. Lady refers. How would someone know the unique identifier so as to be able to search by that record? What someone will recognise…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)I am happy to look at the international examples that the hon. Lady mentions, and at the generic name issue. I think that is a fair point, and I have already asked officials to…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)Clause 67 amends section 1087 of the Companies Act 2006 to extend the list of registered material unavailable for public inspection to include “any statement delivered to the…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)Not before I have answered the question.08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)As I said in my remarks, anyone delivering an application to strike off a company to the registrar would have to verify their identity. I do not see how that is not clear.08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)On the hon. Lady’s legitimacy argument, as I said, we can understand that there might be a case about liquidators. We have committed to look at that. It is much more difficult in…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)We are in total agreement—violent agreement—which is great. The hon. Lady made a point about shadow directors. There are all kinds of ways in which a nefarious individual can…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)Not at all—quite the opposite. Companies House has a requirement to oversee the integrity of the register, and the clause states exactly that. If the registrar feels there is an…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)Absolutely. That is exactly how we expect it to operate. Once the registrar refuses the document, it will be treated as not having been delivered. Under clause 77, the Companies…08 Nov 2022HANSARDEconomic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Ninth sitting)In what circumstances?08 Nov 2022