Departmental Procurement

David Simpson
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her Department's policy is on requesting discounts from its suppliers in return for swift payment of invoices.

Jim Fitzpatrick
The Department for Transport will consider on a case by case basis whether requesting a discount for accelerated payment terms is appropriate. However, the department is committed to prompt payment and states that it will pay valid invoices within 30 days of receipt so tenderers base their pricing in the knowledge of swift payment.