Small Businesses: Late Payments

Debate between Viscount Younger of Leckie and Lord Methuen

Wednesday 18th December 2013 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

That is a very specific question. I will certainly write to the noble Lord on the specific aspects of that.

[Lord Methuen (LD)]

Is the Minister aware that, due to the inefficiency of the Stortext system used by the Treasury Solicitor’s Department to pay its accounts with firms such as costs lawyers, some of these small firms have outstanding accounts going back to May? This compares unfavourably with HMRC, which pays its accounts with minimum delay.

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

My noble friend makes a good point, of which the House will certainly now be aware—as am I.