§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy on the prompt payment of bills by the Scottish Office.
§ Mr. LangMy Department's policy regarding the prompt payment of bills is that the timing of payments should be in accordance with contract terms and conditions. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding or accepted practice governing the timing of payment, the policy is to pay within 30 days of receipt of goods or services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.
My Department carries out annual checks of payment performance and the results for the last three financial years, set out as follows, show a steady improvement in the percentage of payments made early or on time.
Year Percentage of payments paid early or on-time 1991–92 82 1992–93 85 1993–94 89