§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the original country of manufacture of Royal Navy and Royal Marines uniform insignia.
§ Mr. LeeMost uniform insignia for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are manufactured in the United Kingdom, but some are manufactured in India, Pakistan and Malta.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of manufacture of Royal Navy and Royal Marines uniform insignia is outside the United Kingdom; and which countries are involved.
§ Mr. LeeA total of 7.79 per cent. of Royal Navy and Royal Marines uniform insignia are manufactured outside the United Kingdom. The countries of manufacture are India, Pakistan and Malta.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence when the last contract terminated for Royal Navy and Royal Marines uniform insignia manufactured wholly in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what stipulations as to country of origin are made in contracts for the purchase of Royal Navy and Royal Marines uniform insignia.
§ Mr. LeeNo stipulation is made on the tender document, but contractors must state place of manufacture and source of material. This information is reflected on the formal contract document.
§ Mr. Robert Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average unit cost, at 1984 prices, of (a) United Kingdom manufacture and (b) Pakistan/Indian sub-continent manufacture of Royal Navy and Royal Marines (i) cap badges and (ii) rank badges, requiring gold braid.
§ Mr. LeeIt is not Ministry of Defence practice to divulge contract prices. The price of United Kingdom manufacture of cap badges is generally some four or five times higher than similar products from India or Pakistan. All Royal Navy and Royal Marines rank badges are manufactured in the United Kingdom.