§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's policy on the payment of invoices to small and medium-sized businesses.
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§ Miss WiddecombeThe importance of prompt payment for small and medium-sized firms is recognised and consequently the Department is participating in the examination of payment performance being undertaken by the Department of Employment in this financial year.
Standing instructions on the timing of payments for goods and services to all businesses require that, providing the necessary checks have been carried out, payment should be made as follows: where there is a contract—when payment falls due; where there is no contract—within 30 days of the receipt of goods and services or on receipt of a valid invoice or demand, whichever is the later.