HC Deb 10 December 1980 vol 995 cc400-1W
Mr. Haselhurst

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the practice of his Department in paying bills for goods and services supplied; and whether there is a maximum period of time beyond which suppliers may not have to wait to receive the money.

Mr. Pattie

Bills submitted by contractors for goods and services supplied must be in accordance with the appropriate conditions of contract. Provided that bills are correctly presented, payments are generally made within 10 to 15 working days or receipt by the bill-paying office. There is, however, no formal maximum period of time beyond which suppliers may not have to wait to receive their money.