§ 20. Mr. Michael J. MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors he is taking into consideration in deciding upon the future of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonWe intend that there shall be a continuing role for the Gurkhas after 1997 within the British Army. The future of the Gurkhas is being addressed against the background of operational and resource factors likely to affect the British Army as a whole.
Other factors to be taken into account when considering the viability of a future Gurkhas force include provision of an appropriate career structure, a broad enough base to support the skills and trades required by an effective operational unit, the need to obtain a cost-effective return on investment in infrastructure in Nepal and the requirement for the force to be operationally viable in relation to its roles and deployments. No decisions have yet been taken on the long term future size, shape or role of the Gurkhas.