HC Deb 11 July 2000 vol 353 cc468-9W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of correctly presented bills were paid by his Department in(a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000 within 30 days of receipt of (i)goods and services, (ii) a valid invoice and (iii) other agreed payment terms. [130044]

Mr. Paul Murphy

The percentage of currently presented bills paid by my Department within 30 days of receipt of the valid invoice or the satisfactory receipt of goods/services, whichever was the later, or the agreed contractual terms if otherwise specified, was(a) 97 per cent. for 1989–99 and (b) 97 per cent. for 1999–2000.