HL Deb 16 January 1979 vol 397 c943WA
Lord INGLEWOOD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

For what reason they commissioned and then abandoned designs for a new uniform for women police officers in the Metropolitan Police area; how many such uniforms were ordered; how it is intended to dispose of them, and what is the total cost to the public of this abortive operation.

The MINISTER of STATE, HOME OFFICE (Lord Boston of Faversham)

The new style of uniform for women officers, which was introduced in 1978, is not being abandoned. In the interests of economy it is being issued to serving officers in exchange for existing garments as they wear out; although recruits and cadets receive a complete uniform in the new style. The only modification likely to be made to the new design is to reintro-duce the white-crowned hat, but that will be done only as fresh purchases are needed and without additional cost.