HC Deb 22 November 1995 vol 267 cc153-4W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the amount owed to those businesses whose invoices were not paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or within 30 days in each of the last five years; [1118]

(2) how many orders and firms are represented by the 5 per cent. of invoices not paid by his Department within 30 days or in accordance with contractual agreements in 1994–95; and how many of these are related to firms with fewer than 500 employees. [941]

Mr. Hague

The information is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how his Department publicises payment practices other than as percentages of invoices paid late. [970]

Mr. Hague

The Welsh Office publicises its payment policy in its annual departmental report, and on all official orders and contracts.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average length of time it takes for his Department to pay invoices. [918]

Mr. Hague

The information is not available in the form requested. However, once valid invoices are received by my finance division, they are all paid within seven working days.