§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules and guidelines govern the use of Army regimental insignia; in what circumstances regimental insignia may be used for commercial and political advertising; and what penalties may be incurred by use of insignia for such purposes without permission. [87158]
§ Mr. Doug Henderson[holding answer 16 June 1999]The Badges, Crests and Insignia of Her Majesty's Armed Forces are subject to Crown Copyright. The rights associated with Crown Copyright are vested by Royal Letters Patent in the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office personally. Specific nominees in individual Government Departments, including the Ministry of Defence, have authority to act on behalf of the Controller to give or withhold permission to reproduce certain categories of Crown Copyright material, and to collect fees levied according to a scale of charges set by Her Majesty's Stationery Office. The infringement of all Crown Copyright is investigated fully, and should legal action be pursued, penalties could include the seizure of all infringed goods, patterns and designs, payment of Royalties due and damages.