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Ministry of Defence: Billing

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 11 February 2025UIN 28541

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that his Department pays contracted defence companies on time.

Answered by Maria Eagle

The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring its suppliers of all sizes are paid what they are owed promptly. The department aims to pay 90% of undisputed and valid invoices from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within five days. We are exceeding this target, in the last quarter of this financial year, over 95% of invoices have been paid within this timescale. Additionally, 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices should be paid within 30 days.

Information relating to the department's supplier payment performance can be found at the gov.uk website.

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