§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what consultations he has had with the Welsh Health Consumer Services Authority concerning delayed payments to suppliers to the Welsh NHS; what information he has on the number of suppliers who have put a stop on supplies to the Welsh Health Consumer Services Authority because of payment delays; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what consultations he has had with the Welsh NHS trust hospitals and health authorities' directly managed hospitals concerning the delayed payments by purchases for hospital treatment, and delayed payments for supplies to the Welsh Health Consumer Services Authority.
§ Mr. RedwoodMeetings between the Welsh Office and representatives of NHS trusts and health authorities are held regularly to consider a wide range of issues. These have included the Government's requirement that all NHS organisations settle bills promptly. Appropriate guidance has been issued and I expect it to be followed.