§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what provision is made for Christian Gurkha soldiers to worship during their recruit training at the training depot of the Brigade of Gurkhas in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. LeeGurkha soldiers serving in Hong Kong are able to worship at whatever church they wish. No special provision is made for Christians at the training depot of the 265W Brigade of Gurkhas but there are two local Army churches, one Church of England and the other Roman Catholic, which they may attend.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of Gurkha soldiers serving with the British Army who received a compassionate discharge for each year since 1970; and on what grounds.
§ Mr. LeeThe information requested is as follows:
Number 1970 — 1971 — 1972 1 1973 2 1974 4 1975 8 1976 3 1977 4 1978 6 1979 6 1980 6 1981 3 1982 3 1983 4 1984 6 1985 8 The grounds for discharge were domestic problems, involvement in legal or property disputes or further education requirements.
§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to the number of Gurkha soldiers at present serving with the British Army who have become Christians during their military service; and how many of these have changed their religious affiliation on their service documents.