§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many of the bills paid by her 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 her Department, how many are over the advised payment date by (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, respectively.
§ Mr. ForthThe information is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Department will be providing details of its annual payment performance in its departmental report. For the invoices submitted to central accounts in October, 94.7 per cent. had been paid within one month of receipt, 99.0 per cent. within two months, 99.7 per cent. within three months and 99.8 per cent within six months.