§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the average length of time it takes for his Department to pay invoices. [936]
§ Mr. FreemanThe average length of time taken by my Department to pay invoices is 27 days.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how his Department publicises payment practices other than as percentages of invoices paid late. [954]
136W
§ Mr. FreemanIn accordance with the Government's undertaking given in the 1994 competitiveness White Paper, my Department sets out its payment policy in its annual report, Cm 2820, together with payment performance statistics expressed as a percentage of invoices paid. It is not intended to change the method by which performance is measured.
§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the pilot project for a single licensing point for small businesses. [945]
§ Mr. FreemanA study into a computer-based, one-stop system to provide new businesses with customised information about their regulatory and licensing requirements was announced on 8 August 1995. The study, which is being undertaken by KPMG Management Consulting, is due to be completed by the end of this year. Following the study, the intention is to undertake a pilot scheme in some selected business links covering starting up as a vehicle component manufacturer, a corner shop, a small hotelier and a small builder. Depending on the outcome of the pilot the Government, will consider the case for extending the system to other sectors of business and all areas of the country.