§ Mr. Ottawayasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average time it takes his Department to pay suppliers of goods and services to his Department.
§ Mr. RidleyThe average time taken within the Department's accounts branch from receipt of an authorised instruction to payment is five working days. Times taken from receipt of invoice vary with the type of purchase and circumstances but in the case of civil engineering and related requirements the conditons of contract require payment within one month of receipt and certification of the contractor's statement.