To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what clothing contracts let by his Department have been (a) awarded to overseas companies and (b) subcontracted from UK companies to overseas companies in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. (131128)

Information is available only on the number of clothing contracts let over the last four financial years. Records prior to this date are not held centrally and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Since April 2003, 40 clothing contracts have been awarded directly to overseas companies at an estimated value of £12.8 million. During the same period 465 clothing contracts have been placed directly with UK companies at an estimated value of £192 million. It is not possible to provide the number of overseas clothing subcontracts placed by UK prime contractors as this information is not held by the MOD. At the time of contract placement, however, these companies indicated that approximately £91.5 million of the work would be undertaken offshore. Records of any subsequent subcontracting arrangements are not held.