§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his Department's policy on the payment of invoices to small and medium-sized businesses.
§ Mr. WakehamThe Department follows Government policy to pay invoices when they fall due. In recognition of the particular difficulties caused to small and medium-sized firms if payment is delayed, the Department is among those participating in a survey of payment performance which is taking place in the current financial year.