HC Deb 21 October 1975 vol 898 cc163-4W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to see that payments to firms supplying goods under Government civil

Mr. Joel Barnett

The information on public expenditure is shown below for the period 1950–1974. Some estimation has been necessary in calculating indices for years before 1953 owing to changes in the classifications used. Comparable figures for 1949 are not available.

I gave the hon. Member industrial production indices for this period on 17th October 1975.—[Vol. 897, c. 830–832.]

contracts are paid promptly and within the periods agreed in those contracts.

Mr. Joel Barnett

Government Departments are aware of the importance of paying their bills promptly. They are required to settle their accounts as speedily as the necessary checking procedures allow.