§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what values of payments were outstanding within his Department on 5 March, which were beyond the date on the invoice and, where no date was specified, older than 28 days. [20479]
§ Mr. HanleyWe are committed to the Confederation of British Industry prompt payment code, which requires all invoices to be paid within the agreed credit period, or within 30 days of receipt where no credit period has been agreed. Details of the past performance of the FCO was given in a reply to the hon. Member on 14 December 1995,Official Report, column 754.
Figures for outstanding payments within the FCO on 5 March could be made available only at disproportionate cost.