§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how long on average it takes for each department of the Scottish Office to pay contractors and suppliers from receipt of invoices; and what representations he has received on this matter during the last five years.
§ Mr. LangIn making payments to contractors and suppliers, all my departments observe the guidance in "Government Accounting". This means that, once liability to pay has matured, payments are made in accordance with the terms and conditions of payment as specified in contracts or purchase orders or, in the absence of such contractual arrangements, within 30 days of receipt. Generally, it is our practice to make payments as early as possible in line with the Government's support of the "prompt payment" initiative.
In the last five years, three representations have been received on this issue. One arose from a dispute over the goods supplied; the second was the result of incorrectly addressed correspondence; and the third was directed to the department in error.