Gurkhas

Oral Answers to Questions — Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 January 1972.

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Photo of Sir Gerald Nabarro Sir Gerald Nabarro , Worcestershire South 12:00, 20 January 1972

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether, having regard to the depletion of infantry units in the British Army of the Rhine and elsewhere, on account of the situation in Northern Ireland, he will raise, after appropriate negotiations, four additional battalions of Gurkhas.

Photo of Lord  Balniel Lord Balniel , Hertford

No, Sir. The current strength of the Brigade of Gurkhas is sufficient to meet the duties allotted to it.

Photo of Sir Gerald Nabarro Sir Gerald Nabarro , Worcestershire South

But the Question alludes specifically to the depletion of the strength of infantry in our commitments elsewhere than Northern Ireland, and if that is not to be made good by the recruitment of additional Gurkha battalions, which are highly suitable for a purpose of this kind, how does my right hon. Friend propose to make good the depletion in B.A.O.R., for example?

Photo of Lord  Balniel Lord Balniel , Hertford

Only recently we decided to raise four full battalions from the representative companies. I appreciate my hon. Friend's point about the very fine Gurkha units, but he will realise that it was a decision of the present Government to retain the five battalions of Gurkhas and the level was set to meet our commitments in the Far East.

Photo of Mr Marcus Lipton Mr Marcus Lipton , Lambeth Brixton

Is it not obvious that we should not have to worry about recruiting Gurkhas if we had a more patriotic response to recruiting campaigns from places like South Worcestershire?

Photo of Lord  Balniel Lord Balniel , Hertford

Whilst I think that that question is profoundly silly, it gives me the opportunity to tell the House that 1971 was the best year for male other rank recruiting since 1962. In the 12 months ending November 1971, we recruited over 45,000 members to the Armed Forces.