HC Deb 02 November 1998 vol 318 cc371-2W
Mr. Cotter

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the EU Directive on Late Payment will require revision to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. [57541]

Mrs. Roche

The Government are working closely with the European Commission and other Member States to ensure that small businesses are paid promptly in both domestic and European markets.

The contents of the proposed EU Directive are still the subject of discussions between the European Parliament, the European Commission and Member States. Until these discussions are completed, it is not possible to predict what effect it will have on our own late payment legislation.