§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [130039]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 11 July 2000]: MAFF's standard terms of business are payment within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or the provision of goods and services, whichever is the later. Where other payment terms are exceptionally agreed, they are used to measure performance. Performance is measured against all supplier invoices paid. For 1998–99, 93.3 per cent. of invoices were paid on time; in 1999–2000 89.5 per cent. of invoices were paid on time.