Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 5 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2001. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the extent to which DERA has met its targets in relation to payment of its sub-contractors; and what steps are being taken to improve the timeliness of payments. - Including figure. (Holding answer 8 March 2001).

Answer: Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent to which DERA has met its targets in relation to payment of its sub-contractors; and what steps are being taken to improve the timeliness of payments. [152772] Mr. Hoon: [holding answer 8 March 2001]: During the year 1999-2000, as reported in the annual report for that year, DERA paid in excess of 97 per cent. of invoices within the agreed credit period on receipt of an undisputed invoice or date of confirmation of receipt of an acceptable service. The payment process is monitored and DERA is currently exploring the possibility of introducing a fast-track payment system for the large number of low value invoices that it processes and making payments more frequently. DERA currently makes payments twice a week, once by cheque and once by bank automated clearing system (BACS).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 152772; 364 c410W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Contracts Billing Standards Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk