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Gurkha Married Accompanied Service Policy
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
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.
Armed Forces: Pensions and Compensation
Lord Bach: My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Ivor Caplin) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
The House of Commons Defence Committee published its report on Armed Forces Pensions and Compensation on 16 December 2003 (HC 96). The Government's response is published today in a Command Paper (Cm. 6109), ahead of the Second Reading debate on the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Bill on Tuesday 20 January. Copies are available in the Vote Office from 12 o'clock.
Normandy Landings Commemoration
Lord Bach: My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Ivor Caplin) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
We are pleased to announce that Her Majesty the Queen and my right honourable friend the Prime Minister have accepted invitations from the President of France to attend commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the Normandy Landings in France in June this year. Further information about the programme, including attendance by other members of the Royal Family and representatives of the Government, will be issued in due course.
Museums: Private Giving and Government Support
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey): The Securing the Best for our Museums: Private Giving and Government Support report has been published today and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses and in the Printed Paper Office. Copies will also be sent to the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.
Sir Nicholas Goodison has been appointed to lead a review of the effectiveness and efficiency of support to regional and national museums and galleries to help them to acquire works of art and culture of distinction that might otherwise be sold abroad, and to make those items accessible to the public. This review was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Budget 2003. The review is now complete and the Securing the Best for Our Museums: Private Giving and Government Support report contains Sir Nicholas Goodison's findings and recommendations.
The Government will carefully consider the recommendations ahead of Budget 2004 and as part of the 2004 spending review.
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