Textiles (Police and Prison Uniforms)

HC Deb 07 December 1977 vol 940 cc711-2W

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of police uniforms in 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977 were made from cloth which was spun, woven and finished in the United Kingdom; and what proportion in value and square yards was bought from abroad in each of these years.

Dr. Summerskill

This information is not readily available, but I understand that, so far as the Metropolitan Police are concerned, the current supply of uniforms contains a very high proportion of British cloth.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prison uniforms in 1973, 1974, 1975. 1976 and 1977, was made from cloth which was spun, woven and finished in the United Kingdom; and what proportion in value and square yards was bought from abroad in each of these years.

Mr. John

Only a small proportion of the material purchased in recent years for the manufacture of prisoners' jackets and trousers was spun, woven or finished outside the United Kingdom. I regret it is not practicable to provide a more detailed analysis.