I LIKE daft surveys. The latest that caught my eye was the one that said teenage boys are splashing out £385 a head to be sartorially elegant at the end-of-school prom night.
That’s a lot of money for a 16 or 18 year old. But wait, there’s more. Girls, said the same survey, are spending an average of £467 for the right outfit.
Four hundred and sixty seven quid?
Can you imagine your son asking for nearly £400 for a satin lapelled suit that will never be worn again?
Or your daughter coming home and saying she's seen a nice little number that will only set you back the price of a summer holiday? No, me neither.
Of course prom night is important (even though it is an American innovation) and every parent makes an effort to do the best they can for their offspring within a responsible budget.
So where does the survey come from? Debenhams, actually. It reflects the spending habits of well-heeled Debenham customers.
A spokesman said: "The guys want a polished look like David Beckham and Daniel Craig."
And to obtain it, most ordinary lads will buy an evening suit from Asda for £45 or rent a complete package with bow tie and cummerbund from Moss Bros for £55. Far more sensible.
