Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether he has consulted industry representatives on placing the powers on the prompt payment code within the Office of the Small Business Commissioner.

The recently announced call for evidence on eliminating unfair payment practices will seek views on how the government can go further to deliver a fair payment culture. The Small Business Commissioner provides advice and support to build the confidence and capability of small businesses, including working with the current administrators of the Prompt Payment Code, the Chartered Institute of Credit Management, to foster a culture change in payment practices.