§ Mrs. MayTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will publish the planned Green Paper on late payment of debt; and what will be the consultation programme on it. [9439]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 18 July 1997]: The Green Paper will be published before the summer recess. The closing date for responses will be 3 October. During the consultation period we will welcome views in writing or in person from all those who have an interest.
§ Mrs. MayTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what her Department's policy is on the timely payment of debt; and what its record has been on debt payment in the current financial year. [9324]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 18 July 1997]: All Departments are required to pay all their bills within agreed contract terms, or 30 days from receipt of the goods or service or a valid invoice, whichever is the later, where no such terms exist. The Government will publish a league table of departmental payment performance for 1996–97 in the autumn.