§ Sir J. Smythasked the Secretary of State for War if he will reverse his decision announced on 14th March to cut the strength of the Gurkha Brigade, and consider the possibility of increasing its strength to 20,000 men.
§ Mr. RamsdenNo. But the way in which that decision will be implemented, including its timing, will depend on the general level of recruitment for the Army, and our overseas military commitments. No reduction in the strength of the Brigade of Gurkhas will take place for the time being.