HC Deb 25 January 1993 vol 217 cc552-3W
Mr. Fatchett

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on progress towards requiring large companies to state in their reports and acounts how quickly they pay outstanding debts.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs and Small Firms has today published a consultative document to take forward the commitment the Government have given that in future large companies will be required to state in their report and accounts how quickly they pay.

Late payment is a reflection of business culture which is intangible and notoriously resistant to change. The Government are using their influence to nudge a culture change in the right direction.

A number of options have been considered as the best way of taking forward the commitment and these options are discussed in the consultative document.

The Government-preferred option uses data large companies collect already, rather than requiring collection of new data which would be a burden on business. Suppliers and others will be provided with information they have not had previously.

The consultative document also suggests which companies would be required to make this disclosure by proposing a definition of large companies.

The Department is seeking comments on the consultative document by 26 March 1993 with a view to presenting the necessary regulations to Parliament and applying them to company accounts as soon as possible.