§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the future of Gurkha regiments in the British Army and (b) back filling by Gurkhas in other regiments. [158262]
§ Mr. IngramThere are currently no plans regarding the future of Gurkha regiments. The Defence White Paper published last December provides the policy context for shaping the structure of the armed forces. Subsequently, the details of individual units within that structure will need to be further developed, but presently no decisions have been taken.
Gurkhas are not routinely tasked as individuals to back fill other army regiments. Previously, specific Gurkha sub-units, known as Gurkha Reinforcement Companies, were established in order to fill a specific operational manning requirement during a period of under-recruiting. However, improved manning levels have since reduced this requirement.