§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she is taking to ensure that the Government pay interest on debts outstanding for more than 30 days. [25073]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 23 January 1998]: It is important that Central Government lead by example in creating a better payment culture. Government 63W Departments and their agencies are obliged to pay all valid invoices within 30 days or other agreed credit terms and are required to publish their payment performance in their annual or departmental reports.
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Bill, which was introduced in the other place on 10 December 1997, will provide suppliers with a statutory right to claim interest on late payments of commercial debts. The Government's commercial debts will be subject to the legislation.