§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 April 2004.Official Report, column 324W, on Ghurkhas, when he expects to announce the findings of the review of immigration laws as applied to Ghurkhas; and if he will make a statement. [188251]
§ Mr. Browne[holding answer 13 September 2004]: Officials are seeking to bring the review of policy in respect of Ghurkhas who have served in the British Army to an early conclusion, but at this time I cannot say when that might be. The current arrangements for the recruitment of Ghurkhas have served us well for 50 years. We must therefore ensure that as part of this review we carefully examine the broader implications that any change in policy might have to ensure that these special arrangements in respect of Ghurkhas are not undermined.