§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) how many bills paid by his Department during the last month for which figures are available were paid within(a) up to one month, (b) up to two months, (c) up to three months, (d) up to six months and (e) over six months from receipt of invoice; and how many were over the date for payment by (i) up to one month, (ii) up to two months, (iii) up to three months, (iv) up to six months and (v) over six months;
(2) of the bills currently awaiting payment in his Department how many are over the advised payments date (a) by up to one month, (b) up to two months, (c) up to three months, (d) up to six months and (d) over six months, respectively.
Mr. John M. TaylorThe information is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Departments, however, are required to provide details of their annual payment performance in their departmental reports. The last survey conducted in this Department showed that 89.4 per cent. of bills were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receipt of goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice.