Written question asked by Philip Boswell (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 16 July 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2015. It was answered by Tom Brake (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 21 July 2015 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

House of Commons: Uniforms

Question: To ask the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington representing the House of Commons Commission, if the Commission will take steps to allow door-keeping staff a summer uniform made from lighter materials to reduce discomfort in hot weather.

Answer: Doorkeeping staff who perform a variety of outside and inside duties have a range of uniforms to wear as appropriate. Senior Doorkeepers who exclusively perform inside duties, and predominantly around the Chamber (which has cooling), have one uniform. These uniforms are 'bespoke' and to provide a second uniform would have considerable resource implications. The Serjeant at Arms has not received any requests from the Doorkeeping staff to either create a summer version of the uniform or to 'dress down' during hotter weather.

Secondary information