Written question asked by Clive Betts (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by John Wheeler (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: What percentage of bills to his Department for the financial year 1995 to 1996 were paid (a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied. - Includes available figures.

Answer: Mr. Betts: To ask the Secretary of state for Northern Ireland what percentage of bills to his Department for the financial year 1995 to 1996 were paid (a) in accordance with agreed contractual conditions and (b) within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice where no contractual conditions applied. [21199] Sir John Wheeler: The percentage of bills paid within 30 days or contract payment terms is not available for the financial year 1995-96; also in 1996 revised sampling criteria were introduced following HMT direction. However, the percentage for the calendar year 1995 was 96.1 per cent. for the seven Northern Ireland Departments.

Secondary information