Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Henry Smith and Andrew Griffiths

Tuesday 13th March 2018 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Griffiths]

I thank the hon. Lady for that question and particularly for the work that her Select Committee is doing in getting to the bottom of exactly what happened in Carillion. That is very important work. The Government are clear that with public sector contracts we pay in 30 days, and we expect tier 1 contractors to ensure that they pay their supply chain in 30 days too. We are determined to take action to ensure that this happens, and we are looking at what we can do to make sure not only that small businesses in the public sector supply chain get paid within 30 days, but that we do more to support private sector suppliers as well.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

What support has been given to British nationals working abroad who were with Carillion?

[Andrew Griffiths]

The main priority for this Government has been to protect jobs here in the UK and the continuation of public sector contracts and services. The special manager, of course, has a responsibility to wind up the business to get the best value for creditors, but he is responsible for dealing with businesses overseas.