asked the Minister of State for Defence why his Department is returning accounts rendered by suppliers for payment in decimal currency on the grounds that the amounts stated in the original contract were in sterling.

It has not been the Ministry's general practice to return bills in the circumstances described.

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are many cases in my constituency of accounts being returned by his Department for the reasons stated in the Question? If I send him the papers, will he be good enough to look into this?

I am aware of one case in my hon. Friend's constituency. I regret that. It is not the normal practice, and I think very few cases have happened.