§ 81. Mr. FrenchTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has issued any guidelines to local health authorities about the settlement of invoices from suppliers.
§ Mr. FreemanSpecific formal guidance has not been issued to health authorities, but the Treasury publication "Government Accounting" is published by HMSO and contains guidance of general applicability to all bodies under ministerial control. We continue to expect health authorities to meet their obligations within a reasonable time in accordance with contractual requirements and responsible practice, and have sent the Department of Employment booklet "Prompt Payment Please" to all health authorities.