HC Deb 23 October 1968 vol 770 cc293-4W
Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the fact that the economy of Nepal depends to a large extent on the money earned by the Gurkhas, what compensation and pensions will be given to them following the future cuts in their numbers.

Mr. Reynolds

As announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th January, 1968, the Brigade of Gurkhas will be reduced to total strength of 6,000 men by the end of 1971. Individual Gurkhas released or discharged are being compensated in accordance with the redundancy terms, agreed with the Government of Nepal, which have been placed in the House of Commons Library. Pensions will continue to be paid at pre-devaluation levels in Nepalese rupees.—[Vol. 756, c. 1583.]