Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 May 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 May 2005. It was answered by Lord Touhig (Labour) on Monday, 18 July 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Regimental Uniforms

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who meets the cost of the new uniforms and mess-dress of existing personnel up to the date of changeover for the future (a) Mercia, (b) Yorkshire and (c) Scottish regiments.

Answer: [pursuant to the reply, 24 May 2005, Official Report, c. 56W]: I am now clarifying the information provided. The answer I gave stated that officers received a tax-free allowance to enable them to maintain their uniform and dress. It has now come to my attention that officers in fact receive an annual tax-credit, known as ““income tax relief for maintenance of uniform””, rather than an allowance as such. This means that a certain proportion of their salary is not subject to income tax. For dismounted male officers below the rank of colonel, and therefore all personnel belonging to those regiments identified in your original question, this annual rate amounts to £589.29 of earnings against which income tax is not paid.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 392; 436 c1323w;436 c1323w
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Regimental Uniforms
Tuesday, 24 May 2005
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Army Uniforms
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk