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1042300
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-01-16more like thismore than 2019-01-16
answering body
Home Office more like this
answering dept id 1 more like this
answering dept short name Home Office more like this
answering dept sort name Home Office more like this
hansard heading Entry Clearances: Overseas Students more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will commission an independent review of the (a) adequacy, (b) cost effectiveness and (c) effect on the diversity of students of credibility interviews within the student immigration system. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 209352 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-01-21more like thismore than 2019-01-21
answer text <p>An internal review of point of application credibility interviews for interna-tional students was conducted in 2018 to ensure that interviews are adding value to the case consideration process and not unnecessarily inconven-iencing customers. Up to date risk information was factored in to this review. Regular engagement with universities and other educational institutions en-sures that feedback is collected in relation to the application process.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Romsey and Southampton North more like this
answering member printed Caroline Nokes more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-01-21T18:00:05.633Zmore like thismore than 2019-01-21T18:00:05.633Z
answering member
4048
label Biography information for Caroline Nokes more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1042301
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2019-01-16more like thismore than 2019-01-16
answering body
Department for Education more like this
answering dept id 60 more like this
answering dept short name Education more like this
answering dept sort name Education more like this
hansard heading Entry Clearances: Overseas Students more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans his Department has to develop an international student growth strategy. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 209353 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2019-01-21more like thismore than 2019-01-21
answer text <p>The government fully recognises the important economic and cultural contribution that EU and international students make to the UK’s higher education sector. We want that contribution to continue and are confident – given the world class quality of our higher education sector – that it will. We welcome international students and there continues to be no limit on the number who can come here to study, nor any plans to limit any institution’s ability to recruit them.</p><p> </p><p>The UK remains a highly attractive destination for non-EU students, with their numbers remaining at record highs – over 170,000 non-EU entrants to UK higher education institutions for the seventh year running. The UK is a world-leading destination for study, with 4 universities in the world’s top 10 and 16 in the top 100 – second only to the USA. We actively promote study in the UK through the GREAT Campaign and to over 100 countries through the British Council.</p><p> </p><p>In the immigration white paper, published on 19 December 2018, the government proposed to increase the post-study leave period for international students following completion of studies to 12 months for those completing a PhD, and to 6 months for all full-time postgraduate students and undergraduate students at institutions with degree awarding powers. Going beyond the recommendations set out by the Migration Advisory Committee, these proposals will benefit tens of thousands of international students.</p>
answering member constituency Kingswood more like this
answering member printed Chris Skidmore more like this
question first answered
less than 2019-01-21T14:58:00.873Zmore like thismore than 2019-01-21T14:58:00.873Z
answering member
4021
label Biography information for Chris Skidmore more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1020870
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-12-07more like thismore than 2018-12-07
answering body
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy more like this
answering dept id 201 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy more like this
hansard heading Companies House: Registration more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he has taken to reduce the risk of fraud from the availability of personal information on the Companies House database. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 200149 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-12more like thismore than 2018-12-12
answer text <p>The Government considers that it is important that the information on the companies register should not become a tool for abuse. In response to concerns about the availability of residential address information on the register, we brought regulations into force in April to make it easier for people to have this information suppressed. We are also currently considering a broad package of reforms to Companies House, including the protection of personal information. We plan to consult on these reforms in 2019.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Rochester and Strood more like this
answering member printed Kelly Tolhurst more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-12T16:51:21.837Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-12T16:51:21.837Z
answering member
4487
label Biography information for Kelly Tolhurst more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1020871
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-12-07more like thismore than 2018-12-07
answering body
Treasury more like this
answering dept id 14 more like this
answering dept short name Treasury more like this
answering dept sort name Treasury more like this
hansard heading Bankruptcy: Tax Avoidance more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he has taken to ensure that those affected by the 2019 loan charge are not forced into bankruptcy by the repayments. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 200150 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-17more like thismore than 2018-12-17
answer text <p>Disguised Remuneration (DR) schemes are contrived arrangements that pay loans in place of ordinary remuneration with the sole purpose of avoiding income tax and National Insurance contributions. On average loan scheme users have twice as much income as the average UK taxpayer, when taking into account the loan they received.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC is working hard to help individuals get out of tax avoidance for good and are encouraging anyone who is concerned about their ability to pay to contact them as soon as possible to discuss their options. HMRC has set up a dedicated helpline for those wanting to settle their avoidance scheme use, and discuss payment options.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC does not want to make anybody bankrupt and very few cases ever reach that stage. They will work with all individuals to reach a manageable and sustainable payment plan wherever possible.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC has simplified the process for those who choose to settle their use of avoidance schemes before the loan charge arises, so that those earning less than £50,000 a year and are no longer engaging in tax avoidance can agree a payment plan of up to five years without the need for detailed supporting information. There is no maximum period within which an overall settlement can be agreed, and all individual cases will be dealt with appropriately and sympathetically.</p><p> </p><p>Since the announcement of the 2019 loan charge at Budget 2016, HMRC has agreed settlements on disguised remuneration schemes with employers and individuals of over 650 million pounds. More than 90% of this amount was collected from employers, with less than 10% from individuals.</p>
answering member constituency Central Devon more like this
answering member printed Mel Stride more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-17T16:00:13.297Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-17T16:00:13.297Z
answering member
3935
label Biography information for Mel Stride more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1020872
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-12-07more like thismore than 2018-12-07
answering body
Treasury more like this
answering dept id 14 more like this
answering dept short name Treasury more like this
answering dept sort name Treasury more like this
hansard heading Revenue and Customs more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Sub-Committee report entitled The powers of HMRC: treating taxpayers fairly, HL 242. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 200151 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-12more like thismore than 2018-12-12
answer text <p>The Government will respond to the sub-Committee’s report in due course and in the usual way.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Central Devon more like this
answering member printed Mel Stride more like this
grouped question UIN 200140 more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-12T13:57:24.147Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-12T13:57:24.147Z
answering member
3935
label Biography information for Mel Stride more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1013166
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-11-23more like thismore than 2018-11-23
answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept id 13 more like this
answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
hansard heading Dogs: Smuggling more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many reports of illegally imported puppies the Animal and Plant Health Agency have been called out to in 2018. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 195121 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-03more like thismore than 2018-12-03
answer text <p>Enforcement action regarding illegally imported puppies is not within APHA’s remit, but is carried out by Local Authorities.</p><p> </p><p>In 2018 the Animal and Plant Health Agency have been called out 44 times following referrals by carriers or border officials, eight of these related to the importation of puppies.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
answering member printed David Rutley more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-03T10:39:07.01Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-03T10:39:07.01Z
answering member
4033
label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1013167
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-11-23more like thismore than 2018-11-23
answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept id 13 more like this
answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
hansard heading Pets: Smuggling more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many seizures have taken place in relation to abuse of the Pet Travel Scheme in 2018. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 195122 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-03more like thismore than 2018-12-03
answer text <p>Since December 2015 APHA has been taking an intelligence-led approach at Dover aimed at disrupting the illegal importation of puppies and abuse of the Pet Travel Scheme, which is yielding positive results. As part of this activity APHA is working with the Dogs Trust and Kent County Council to quarantine underage dogs intercepted at both Dover Port and Eurotunnel.</p><p> </p><p>In 2018 281 animals have been quarantined due to non-compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme. This figure may include commercial dog imports.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>Enforcement action regarding illegally imported puppies is under the remit of Local Authorities. APHA are not able to provide data regarding seizures by local authorities in relation to abuse of the Pet Travel Scheme.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
answering member printed David Rutley more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-03T10:31:13.42Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-03T10:31:13.42Z
answering member
4033
label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1013168
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-11-23more like thismore than 2018-11-23
answering body
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept id 13 more like this
answering dept short name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
answering dept sort name Environment, Food and Rural Affairs more like this
hansard heading Pet Travel Scheme more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the newly-established intelligence-led approach to the enforcement of the Pet Travel Scheme. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 195123 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-03more like thismore than 2018-12-03
answer text <p>The UK carries out more checks of pets at the border than most other EU member states. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) works in partnership with Dogs Trust, enforcement bodies and transport carriers to identify non-compliant animals destined for Dover and Folkestone ports. This partnership in collaboration with the intelligence-led Task Force has led to over 800 puppies being seized since 2015.</p><p> </p><p>Demand drives the illegal trafficking of puppies. Defra works with stakeholders to drive up standards for advertising, and to educate potential owners on how to responsibly buy a pet. Defra has published guidance on buying a pet. We have recently consulted on a ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens, and are completing the analysis of the results.</p> more like this
answering member constituency Macclesfield more like this
answering member printed David Rutley more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-03T16:51:43.043Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-03T16:51:43.043Z
answering member
4033
label Biography information for David Rutley more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
1013169
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-11-23more like thismore than 2018-11-23
answering body
Treasury more like this
answering dept id 14 more like this
answering dept short name Treasury more like this
answering dept sort name Treasury more like this
hansard heading Tax Avoidance: Aberdeen South more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people in the Aberdeen South constituency affected by the 2019 Loan Charge. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 195124 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-12-03more like thismore than 2018-12-03
answer text <p>The 2019 loan charge is targeted at disguised remuneration (DR) schemes. These are artificial tax avoidance schemes where earnings are paid in the form of non-repayable loans made by a third party.</p><p> </p><p>DR schemes are contrived arrangements that pay loans in place of ordinary remuneration with the sole purpose of avoiding income tax and National Insurance contributions. When taking into account the loan they received, loan scheme users have on average twice as much income as the average UK taxpayer.</p><p> </p><p>Since the announcement of the 2019 loan charge at Budget 2016, HMRC has agreed settlements on disguised remuneration schemes with employers and individuals of over 650 million pounds. More than 90% of this amount was collected from employers, with less than 10% from individuals.</p><p> </p><p>HMRC have also simplified the process for those who choose to settle their use of avoidance schemes before the charge arises, so that those earning less than £50,000 a year and no longer engaging in tax avoidance can agree a payment plan of up to five years without the need for detailed supporting information. There is no maximum period within which an overall settlement can be agreed, and HMRC will deal with individual cases appropriately and sympathetically.</p><p> </p><p>50,000 individuals are estimated to be affected by the introduction of the DR loan charge across the UK. Information is not held at constituency level.</p>
answering member constituency Central Devon more like this
answering member printed Mel Stride more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-12-03T15:44:00.097Zmore like thismore than 2018-12-03T15:44:00.097Z
answering member
3935
label Biography information for Mel Stride more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this
838923
registered interest false more like this
date less than 2018-02-08more like thismore than 2018-02-08
answering body
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy more like this
answering dept id 201 more like this
answering dept short name Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy more like this
answering dept sort name Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy more like this
hansard heading Offshore Fixed Structures: Scotland more like this
house id 1 more like this
legislature
25259
pref label House of Commons more like this
question text To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect of the decommissioning of oil platforms on the economy in north east of Scotland. more like this
tabling member constituency Aberdeen South more like this
tabling member printed
Ross Thomson remove filter
uin 127485 more like this
answer
answer
is ministerial correction false more like this
date of answer less than 2018-02-22more like thismore than 2018-02-22
answer text <p>With increasing numbers of offshore oil and gas fields reaching the end of their economic life, forecasts from industry estimate that the annual expenditure for decommissioning over the next 5 years will be in the region of £1.7 to £2 billion. While decommissioning is a major cost for industry, and the taxpayer, it offers significant opportunities for the supply chain that will deliver the constituent elements of decommissioning activity. This encompasses a wide range of activities, covering a broad range of skills and expertise.</p><p>With recent estimates from industry suggesting that decommissioning will represent around 11 per cent of total expenditure on oil and gas for 2017, decommissioning is already benefitting the north east of Scotland and the rest of the UK’s economy. Whilst we don’t have specific figures around the economic impact of the increase in decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations, we expect to see an increasing proportion of the offshore oil and gas industry focussing on decommissioning activities in the coming years.</p>
answering member constituency Devizes more like this
answering member printed Claire Perry more like this
question first answered
less than 2018-02-22T13:59:41.737Zmore like thismore than 2018-02-22T13:59:41.737Z
answering member
3974
label Biography information for Claire Perry more like this
tabling member
4599
label Biography information for Ross Thomson more like this