§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health 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. [130041]
§ Ms Stuart[holding answer 11 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Mr. Burgon) on 23 July 1999, Official Report, columns 679–80W. Departments and their agencies are currently collating this information for 1999–2000 and this will be made available to the House shortly.