HC Deb 07 November 1962 vol 666 cc961-3
25. Sir J. Smyth

asked the Secretary of State for War if any changes are contemplated with regard to the future recruitment of Gurkhas to the British Army.

Mr. Profumo

As I said in answer to a Question from my right hon. and gallant Friend on 30th May, 1962, Her Majesty's Government do not propose to take a decision about the future of the Brigade of Gurkhas before next year. This must naturally include a decision on the future level of recruiting.

Sir J. Smyth

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind when this question comes up for consideration that not only would it be very unwise to reduce the Brigade of Gurkhas, but that it would have unfortunate repercussions in the Kingdom of Nepal, which is undergoing considerable strain with the advance of China so near to its border?

Mr. Profumo

I give my right hon. and gallant Friend an undertaking that every possible circumstance and condition will be taken into consideration before Her Majesty's Government come to a final decision.

Mr. Shinwell

If nothing is contemplated before next year and no decision has been reached, why is there all the talk in the Press and elsewhere about the Government's decision not to proceed with recruitment and, in fact, to disband two of the Gurkha regiments? How has this arisen?

Mr. Profumo

I am unable to answer why rumours appear in the newspapers. I can only tell the House what the correct situation is, and I am glad to have been asked. We have not come to a decision. With regard to recruiting next year, the right hon. Gentleman will remember that the decision on actual numbers for recruiting is never taken until, perhaps, the spring of the year in which the recruits are brought in.

Mr. F. M. Bennett

Is my right hon. Friend aware, and will he take into consideration when dealing with this matter, that there are substantial reports that Communist recruiting agencies are in being in Nepal and are offering considerably higher salaries to Gurkha ex-soldiers if they will join the Communist forces, and that there would be something insane about purporting to help India in her present difficulty and, at the same time, helping soldiers to join her enemies?

Mr. Wigg

Will the Minister give the House a categorical assurance that a reduction in the Gurkhas has not been considered in relation to the reorganisation of the infantry?

Mr. Profumo

I cannot give that undertaking. A number of possibilities must be being considered. What I have told the House is that no decision has yet been arrived at, and we will not arrive at a decision until next year. I cannot go further than that.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

I think we ought to get on.