Parliament shells out $130K on costumes

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LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Freedom of Information requests by The Sun revealed Britain's Parliament spent more than $130,000 in taxpayer money on ceremonial garments for officials.

The newspaper said some of the outfits for officials such as the Sergeant at Arms cost more than $8,100 apiece.

The Sun said news of the spending on ceremonial garments -- which include tailor-made breeches, court coats, waistcoats, lace cuffs, wing collars, men's tights, gloves, braces and wigs -- comes amid spending cuts and tax increases in the country.

John O'Connell of the TaxPayers' Alliance said the public is unlikely to be pleased with the news.

"Huge bills for ceremonial dress won't go down well with families feeling the pinch," he said.