Contributions
791 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMathematical SciencesI thank my noble friend for that. First, it is a myth that all Chinese do maths, because my daughter is not interested in it. Secondly, we have an open university system, so if…02 Apr 2025HANSARDMathematical SciencesMy Lords, to ensure value for money and alignment with government policies, we are reviewing the activities delivered by the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and the funding…02 Apr 2025HANSARDMathematical SciencesI thank the noble Lord for the question. There is nothing to cancel. The national academy was devised by the previous Government, who allocated £6 million towards it when they…02 Apr 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityMy Lords, as announced in the King’s Speech, the Government intend to publish the draft audit reform and corporate governance Bill in due course. The Government’s aim is to…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityI thank my noble friend for that question and for all the work he has done in the actuarial sector itself. Let us not get ahead of ourselves. The Government are committed to…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityMy Lords, my noble friend is right to point out the length of time that it has taken to reach this point. Let us not forget that the collapse of BHS and Carillion caused havoc in…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityThe noble Lord makes a very good point. At the end of the day, we would like any regulator to perform the work but not to overburden SMEs or, for that matter, to stifle growth,…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityI thank my noble friend for the question. As we know, the UK has certain accounting standards, such as GAAP and the international financial reporting standards. These standards…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityMy noble friend makes a very important point. I do not know whether anyone has been sent to jail, but I will find out and write to him. It is important that noble Lords recognise…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityI thank my noble friend for his question. It is true that these reforms are long overdue, which is why this Government are working on them at pace. My noble friend will understand…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityThe noble Baroness makes a very good point. It is important that, whichever regulator we have, it is effective. Currently, the regulator has some weaknesses in its powers; the new…31 Mar 2025HANSARDAudit, Reporting and Governance AuthorityMy Lords, the Financial Reporting Council has put in place transparent procedures which ensure a separation between decision-making on standards and enforcement. The draft Bill…31 Mar 2025HANSARDSustainable Farming IncentiveWe will hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Hoey, and then from the noble Baroness, Lady Coffey.18 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesThat was probably before the Procurement Act. Under the Act, companies that have been excluded will not be allowed to bid for any government contracts. Any companies found to be…17 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesWrong day. I wish everyone a happy St Patrick’s day. The Government provide guidance on GOV.UK to companies seeking to engage in public sector work, including those domiciled…17 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesI thank the noble Lord for the question. The UK’s international obligations require us to treat suppliers from other countries on an equal footing with UK suppliers in…17 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesThe noble Lord is absolutely right. If we have a free trade agreement with a particular country then we have to follow international obligations by allowing foreign companies…17 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesMy Lords, before answering the noble Lord’s Question, I wish everyone celebrating a happy St Valentine’s day—17 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesI thank my noble friend for the question. It is important that SMEs have fair access to public contracts, which drives economic growth and the strength of public supply chain…17 Mar 2025HANSARDOverseas Companies: UK-registered SubsidiariesI thank my noble friend for that question. As I mentioned in my earlier answer, the Government have appointed Tom Hayhoe as the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner. He will work…17 Mar 2025