§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how his Department publicises payment practices other than as percentages of invoices paid late. [968]
§ Mr. NorrisThe transport report sets out the Department's payment policy and records performance against targets, in terms of the percentage of bills paid within the time allowed. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade reports to the House each year the performance of all Departments. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) on 18 July,Official Report, column 1211–12.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average length of time it takes for his Department to pay invoices. [920]
§ Mr. NorrisNo average payment times are calculated. Our objective is to pay 95 per cent. of bills within contractual conditions, or—where no other conditions are stated—within 30 days of receipt of goods or services or presentation of a valid invoice, whichever is the later.