To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on the (a) design and commissioning and (b) manufacturing of uniforms for the UK Border Agency and its predecessors in each of the last five years. (226053)

We are not yet in a position to provide the cost of the design, manufacture and distribution of uniforms for the UK Border Agency. We are currently scoping the requirements for a single uniform for frontline officers. The costs will be dependent on the commercial and procurement solutions delivered.

In 2006-07, the Home Department spent (inclusive of VAT) £16,017.00 on the provision of uniforms for frontline operational staff at the border; £970,001.14 in 2007-08 and £192,384.24 in 2008 to date.