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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will make it his policy to undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the Prompt Payment Code.

The Government is clear that large companies should lead by example in paying their suppliers promptly and fairly. The best practice principles set out in the Prompt Payment Code have an important role to play in encouraging this culture change.

At Spring Statement, my rt. hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a call for evidence will be published on eliminating unfair payment practices. This will be launched by the Department later this year and will seek views on how the Government could go further to deliver a responsible payment culture.