§ Sir Roger MoateTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of bills are paid on time by Government Departments.
§ Mr. McLoughlinDuring the financial year 1992–93, major purchasing Departments and agencies undertook sample surveys to determine the percentage of invoices paid within the agreed credit period, or within 30 days where no credit period has been set. Government Departments reported results in the range 75 to 100 per cent.
The full results are:
Department Percent of invoices paid within contract terms or 30 days Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 85 Central Statistical Office 86 Customs and Excise 85 Defence 99 Education and Science 84.4 Employment and ACAS 84 Employment Service 84.4 Environment 90 Foreign and Commonwealth 91.37 Health 90 Health and Safety Executive 94 Inland Revenue 86.2 Lord Chancellors 83.4 National Savings 95.3 Paymaster General's Office 100 PSA—Building Management 73 Royal Mint 78 Social Security 94 Trade and Industry 90.5 Transport 85.8 Treasury 92.4 Welsh Office 76 Departments will continue to monitor their payment performance and for subsequent years the returns will be published in departmental annual reports.