Written question asked by Crispin Blunt (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 February 2001. It was answered by Patricia Hewitt (Labour) on Thursday, 15 February 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, What recent representations he has received from business organisations concerning late payments of bills. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from business organisations concerning late payments of bills. [149038] Ms Hewitt: The Government are committed to improving the payment culture in the UK and aim to build on the package of measures that have already been established. Departmental officials continue to work with business organisations and representatives from the banking, factoring, accountancy, trade credit insurance and credit management sectors on this issue through the better payment practice group. The Small Business Service has recently published a consultation document on changes to legislation required following the adoption of the directive on combating late payment in commercial transactions. Responses from business to that consultation will inform how the directive is best implemented.

Secondary information