Written question asked by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 March 2007. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 March 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much (a) a graduate of Sandhurst and (b) a newly-commissioned officer promoted through the ranks is expected to contribute to the cost of their regimental dress uniform.

Answer: All newly commissioned officers, whether graduates from Sandhurst or those promoted from the ranks, are provided with uniform and entitled to the same initial outfit allowance to enable them to perform their duties. The allowance does not vary according to the method of entry but does vary according to the Regiment or Corps to which they belong. Any additional cost that individuals may incur over and above the allowance is a private matter.

Secondary information