Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Monday, 19 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 July 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to issue light weight summer uniforms to the service personnel taking part in the Queen's birthday parade in circumstances where the temperature is forecast to be well in excess of the seasonal norm.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to issue light weight summer uniforms to the service personnel taking part in the Queen's birthday parade in circumstances where the temperature is forecast to be well in excess of the seasonal norm. [127229] Mr. Spellar: The Army ceremonial Full Dress uniform which is worn by all troops on the Queen's Birthday Parade, and by the Royal Colonels, is designed for a temperate climate. Army Bands do, however, wear their Full Dress uniform in hot climates abroad, such as Cyprus. A lightweight version could not be justified financially for the very few occasions when such a uniform might be deemed appropriate.

Secondary information