Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the demand for faux fur bearskin within the armed forces; and what steps they intend to take as a result.

The Ministry of Defence remains committed to using human made materials to replace natural fur where they provide a suitable, affordable and sustainable alternative and continues to welcome submissions of test results from a testing house accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service on synthetic alternatives that meet our criteria.

The Department has not yet identified a synthetic alternative that meets the standards required to provide an effective replacement for bearskin ceremonial caps.