§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from the Prime Minister of Nepal during his visit to the UK concerning(a) the future of the Gurkhas in the British Army, and (b) the case made by the Gurkha Army Ex-Serviceman's Organisation for pay and pension equality for Gurkhas who are serving or who have served in the British Army. [57809]
§ The Prime MinisterI met the Nepalese Prime Minister on Monday 13 May along with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for International Development and the Minister of State for the Armed Forces. The main focus of our discussions was internal issues in Nepal, and what the UK could do to help. The issue of Gurkha pensions was raised briefly by the Nepalese Prime Minister at the end of the meeting. The Brigade of Gurkhas remains an integral and much valued part of the British Army and will remain so for the foreseeable future.