§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy on the payment of invoices to small and medium-sized businesses.
§ Mr. DorrellWe seek to pay promptly all suppliers of goods and services, in accordance with agreed settlement terms. We recognise that delays in the payment of bills can cause particular difficulties for small firms. We are monitoring our payment performance in this financial year and will be issuing a guidance manual later this year which will remind staff of the need to adhere to the guidelines particularly when dealing with small firms.