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Dept of Social Security

Answer

Mr. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) when Fresco Interiors will receive payment of their invoice of 14 May for flooring work undertaken at his Department's offices at Quarry Hill in Leeds; [130461] (2) if the contract for the maintenance of his Department's premises at Quarry House in Leeds contains a clause requiring the contractor, and any sub-contractors, to make prompt payment to suppliers for work undertaken; and if he will make a statement; [130462] (3) what his Department's policy is regarding prompt payment of sub-contractors used by contractors responsible for the maintenance of his Department's buildings; and if he will make a statement. [130463] Mr. Rooker: The contract for the flooring work undertaken at Quarry House is between Fresco Interiors and G. S. Hall, the sub-contractor of Trillium who supply the Department with serviced accommodation. Payment of the invoice is therefore a matter for G. S. Hall. The Department does not have a universal set of standard terms and conditions for contractors and sub-contractors simply because different contracts, some of which can be very complex, require different provisions. We do however ensure that, wherever possible, contracts include provision for payment of all sums within a specified period not exceeding 30 days from the date of receipt of a valid invoice. As a Department, we fully support the Government's prompt payment initiative and aim to pay all our bills on time and will endeavour to ensure that all contractors do likewise.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

353 c638W;353 c636-7W; 130461;130462;130463

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Contracts Buildings Billing Department of Social Security Government departments Leeds Payments Repairs and maintenance

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk