THE Government has said it will oppose the Fianna Fail private members Bill on prompt payments.

The Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr Bruton, asked Fianna Fail to withdraw its Bill and support his Bill.

According to Mr Bruton his Bill will cover all business debt and not just small business debt.

He said that legislation was not the best approach for the private sector but that sub contractors on public sector contracts should be included in the Bill.

The Government Bill would also provide for an automatic entitlement in respect of late payments.

He said that in the Fianna Fail Bill up to 90 days free credit would be allowed in some circumstances whereas he has allowed only 45 days from the date of the receipt of invoices or supply of goods.

The Small Firms' Association said it would today call on the Government to delay the Working Time Bill until the British government clarifies its position on the legislation.

The SFA said it would make a submission this afternoon to the joint Oireachtas committee on small business and services, outlining the practical difficulties it believes its members will face when the Bill becomes law.