Written question asked by Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 10 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Friday, 21 July 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral Answer of 3rd July, Official Report, 353 c10-1, concerning the proportion of the Army's clothing orders which go to British firms, what percentage of these orders was made up by clothing manufactured in the United Kingdom. - Includes figures but for Army specifically disproportionate cost. (Holding answer 13 July 2000).

Answer: Mr. Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral answer of 3 July 2000, Official Report, column 11, concerning the proportion of the Army's clothing orders which go to British firms, what percentage of these orders was made up by clothing manufactured in the United Kingdom. [130441] Mr. Spellar: [holding answer 13 July 2000]: The Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency (DCTA) procures clothing for all three Armed Services, with many items common to all three. To separate the cost of clothing destined specifically for the Army could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, during the financial year 1999-2000, of the 83 per cent. of clothing contracts placed by the DCTA with British-based companies, and referred to in my answer of 3 July 2000, Official Report, column 11, 48.9 per cent. by value will be manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Secondary information