§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Ivor Caplin) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
On 4 June 2003, it was announced that the Ministry of Defence would undertake a review of Gurkha Married Accompanied Service (MAS) policy. The aim of the review was to consider whether the current arrangements were satisfactory and what changes, if any, would be necessary. In examining possible 33WS changes, the review team are also considering whether any of the special circumstances of Gurkha employment justify MAS restrictions and, if so, to what extent.
The review team is studying a number of options, the detailed work of which is not yet complete. I had originally hoped to announce the outcome of the review to the House by the end of 2003. I anticipate being in a position to make a full and substantive announcement to the House on the outcome of the review later in the year.