asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the measures being taken to safeguard Gurkha recruiting in the unsettled conditions which now exist in the Indian sub-continent; and if he will make a statement.

Yes, Sir. The intake of recruits for this year has been successfully completed and all the recruits are now in Malaysia.

Does the Minister realise that unless a solution is reached to the vital and pressing problem of Kashmir, a further outbreak of hostilities between Pakistan and India is inevitable and that if that happens, it is bound to affect Gurkha recruiting, the passage of recruits from Nepal and leave parties into Nepal? What will the Minister do about it?

I am sure that the hon. and gallant Member will understand that I, as he does, would like to see a solution to Kashmir. He will, however, know from his experience of the customs of Government that it is not my responsibility to answer questions about the Government's initiative in this matter.