Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Monday, 4 July 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 July 2005. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Wednesday, 13 July 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Regimental Mergers/Uniforms

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 29 June 2005, Official Report, columns 1568–9W, on regimental uniforms, (1) what the annual tax credit is; whether it varies with rank; and what the average cost of commissioning (a) Service uniform, (b) Blues and (c) Mess dress were, excluding the Foot Guards and Highland Regiments, in the last year for which figures were available;

Answer: The Ministry of Defence does not calculate the average cost of uniform because this is a private transaction between an officer and their tailor. Nevertheless, the officers outfit allowance is awarded on first commissioning to offset this expenditure.There are no current plans to increase the officers outfit allowance, although consideration will be given to adjusting the allowance in the light of changes to the organisation of the infantry as part of the Future Infantry Structure.An annual tax credit is awarded to all officers to assist with the cost of maintaining, repairing and, when necessary, replacing uniform. The annual rate for all dismounted male officers below the rank of Colonel—and therefore all officers serving with an infantry regiment—is £589.29, against which an officer receives income tax relief.

Secondary information