To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Gurkha soldiers who have completed their service (a) applied for and (b) were granted (i) leave to remain and (ii) British citizenship in each year since 1997. (82373)

[holding answer 4 July 2006]: Figures for applications from Gurkhas for ILR before October 2004 are not available. Figures for the period October 2004 until June 2006 for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) are in table 1. Figures for applications from Gurkhas for citizenship before October 2001 are not available. Figures for the period October 2001 until June 2006 are in table 2. The figures quoted are from provisional management information and are subject to change.