§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the cost of ceremonial dress for Her Majesty's representatives 689W abroad in (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95 and (c) 1995–96 to date; and which countries were involved. [8767]
§ Mr. HanleyDiplomatic uniform is provided to HM representatives where required by local custom and tradition.
Expenditure on diplomatic uniform in the years specified was as follows:
- 1993–94: £14,775
- 1994–95: £8,935
- 1995–96: £19,879 to date
The countries and dependent territories involved were Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Japan, Luxembourg, Montserrat, the Netherlands, Spain, Swaziland, Thailand and Turks and Caicos.
§ Mr. BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what items of ceremonial dress are required for Her Majesty's representative at the Holy See; and what are the itemised costs. [9176]
§ Mr. HanleyLocal custom requires HM representatives to the Holy See to wear full diplomatic uniform on frequent occasions.
At present, HM ambassador to the Holy See is a woman and is not required to wear uniform. Accordingly, current costs for this uniform are not available.