HC Deb 25 March 1986 vol 94 c428W
Mr. Ottaway

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average time it takes his Department to pay suppliers of goods and services to his Department.

Dr. Boyson

The average time taken to pay suppliers of goods and services from the receipt of the invoice ranges from 48 hours to six weeks as the time taken to validate the invoice varies according to the goods and services supplied.