§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of correctly presented bills were paid by his Department in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000 within 30 days of receipt of (i)goods and services, (ii) a valid invoice and (iii) other agreed payment terms. [130032]
§ Mr. HainIn 1998–99 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office paid 97.7 per cent. of such bills. In 1999 this figures rose to 97.9 per cent. Calculations are in accordance with HM Treasury's approved method.