Written question asked by James Gray (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 June 2011. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 June 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has had with military tailors about the cost of dress uniforms for officers;

Answer: The majority of contracts for military and dress uniforms for all three services are placed by the Defence Clothing Team (DCT) within Defence Equipment and Support. Spend on military uniforms (including jackets, trousers, shirts, headwear and footwear) in financial year 2010-11 was £42.5 million. Spend on dress (parade and ceremonial) uniforms for the same period was £9.2 million.There are also some locally placed contracts for uniforms and ceremonial dress where expenditure totalled £218,000 in the last year.Regular discussions take place between DCT and their potential bidders and actual suppliers on specifications and other aspects of the contracts as well as specific negotiations on contract price.

Secondary information