Written question asked by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 18 April 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 April 2007. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Monday, 30 April 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Footwear

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the lifetime of footwear issued to members of the armed forces; how often new footwear is issued to members of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The life expectancy of footwear varies between each type depending on use and conditions. In broad terms the expectation is: Combat Boots should last between one and five years (although Jungle Boots and Desert Boots may only have a life of six weeks or six months respectively); Parade/Ceremonial Boots are repairable and can last from one to five years plus; Safety Footwear six months to two years.When boots are no longer serviceable or there has been a change in the users’ needs, replacement boots can be obtained or requested from the Unit Quartermasters both in the UK and overseas.

Secondary information