§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Attorney-General (1) how much was paid late to the private sector for goods and services by his Department in 1995–96;[26160]
(2) what percentage of bills were paid late by his Department in 1995–96.[26111]
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Serious Fraud Office paid 92 per cent. of valid invoices on time—within 30 days, or specific contract provision if different—during 1995–96. The value of late payments made by the SFO to the private sector was £977,000. This represents about 6 per cent. of total expenditure and includes a number of substantial and complex invoices from large companies.
On the basis of samples of bills settled during 1995–96, the percentage of valid invoices paid on time was 94.3 per cent. for the Crown Prosecution Service and 75 per cent. for the Treasury Solicitor's Department.1 Information is not held about the value of late payments made by these departments.
1 Includes figures for Government property lawyers, the legal secretariat to the Law Officers and the lawyers management unit.