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Written question asked by Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (Green Party) on Wednesday, 8 June 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 June 2022. It was answered by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 June 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Queen's Guards: Uniforms

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of tests conducted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in April 2022 on the drying rate and compression properties of faux bear fur for the ceremonial caps worn by the Queen’s Guard; whether those results meet Ministry of Defence requirements; and if so, whether they will now consider introducing faux fur for ceremonial caps.

Answer

We are aware that there may have been further testing conducted on this artificial fur in April 2022, however the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its business partner Leidos are not parties to this research and cannot therefore comment on these test results.

Previous analysis of testing conducted on the faux fur fabric showed it met only one of the five requirements necessary to be considered as a viable alternative for ceremonial caps. Whilst it met the basic standard for water absorption, it showed unacceptable rates of water shedding and performed poorly on the visual assessment. As the artificial fur didn't meet the standards required for a ceremonial cap which is worn throughout the year and in all weathers, the MOD has no plans to take this fake fur fabric forward.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL792
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Furs Uniforms King's guards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk