Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martyn Day and David Gauke

Tuesday 7th June 2016 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

T4. In Scotland, we have introduced robust anti-avoidance rules—they are among the toughest in the world—on devolved taxes. The Scottish National party has repeatedly called on the Chancellor to embolden compliance by guaranteeing that the beneficial ownership of companies and trusts is made public. Has he taken steps to assure the people of the UK that this progressive step will happen?

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

The UK is bringing in a register of beneficial ownership for companies. On trusts, where there are tax consequences that will also be included. So, yes, the UK is leading on that, and we are pretty much the first country to do so.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martyn Day and David Gauke

Tuesday 19th April 2016 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

T4. The Panama papers unearthed an array of revelations, amid which was the exposure of the relationship between tax and land ownership. What steps are the Government taking to ensure transparency of land ownership across the UK?

[The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

This Government are bringing in a register so that we will know the beneficial ownership of people or structures holding property in this country. We have not had that before, and we are making progress on it.