§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on the payment of invoices to small and medium-sized businesses.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydOur policy is to pay all suppliers as speedily as possible within the terms specified on invoices. The Department recognises the special problems experienced by small and medium-sized businesses and is currently participating in the examination of payment performance being undertaken by the Department of Employment this financial year.