§ Lord Walker of Doncasterasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they will complete their examination of Gurkha pensions. [HL455]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)The examination of Gurkha pensions and gratuities is now complete. Within the terms of the tri-partite agreement (TPA) between India, Nepal and the UK Gurkha pensions will be increased to allow for a welfare related cash uplift to take account of Indian government benefits in kind that will at least double the pension payments for all Gurkha pensioners. Increases will be introduced from 1 April 2000. Pension increases will continue to be paid immediately after 15 years' service and, where appropriate, passed on to the widow and then a child up to the age of 25 years. Pensions will be reviewed in the normal way and will benefit from cost of living increases each year. The Nepalese Government have made representations throughout this examination and both the Nepalese and Indian governments have been notified of the increases.