HC Deb 02 April 1957 vol 568 cc219-20
23. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will authorise regiments to buy and retain for use by their bands the stocks of their full dress uniforms now held by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes.

Mr. J. Amery

The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes do not hold stocks of full dress uniforms.

Mr. Johnson

Can my hon. Friend state where their stocks are now held, and what is the procedure for a regiment which wants to obtain a uniform for its band?

Mr. Amery

Some stocks—they are very small stocks—are held by ordnance depots, and they can lend uniforms for special occasions, such as tattoos or historical displays. As a general principle, full dress is obsolete, except for the Household Brigade and the King's Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery.