Better Payment Practice Code

HC Deb 11 November 2003 vol 413 cc174-5W

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's policy is on the application of the Government's Better Payment Practice Code. [136839]

Margaret Beckett

Defra's payment policy is to pay invoices within 30 days of receipt and agreement of a valid invoice properly supported with proof of delivery of the goods, services and works requested. Defra is a signatory to the Government's Better Payment Practice Code. My Department's payment performance is reported annually to Parliament.