§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding the provision of(a) pensions and (b) other forms of support to Gurkha Service personnel who have served with HM forces; and if he will make a statement. [179190]
§ Mr. CaplinI receive representations from members of both Houses and from interested individuals and organisations about a range of issues, including pensions and other forms of support to Gurkha Service personnel. These have included comparisons between British and Gurkha soldiers' pay and pensions; confusion about the benefits Gurkhas are entitled to; and comments about their treatment by successive British Governments.
Gurkha pay, allowances and pensions are regularly reviewed. In terms of welfare provision to Gurkhas following discharge from the Army, MOD makes a substantial annual grant to cover the administrative costs of the Gurkha Welfare Trust in support of the charity's work in Nepal.