THE MP for Thurrock is to chair an committee inquiry into outstanding grievances on the part of retired Gurkhas in the UK.

Jackie Doyle-Price is chairman of the All-Party Group on Gurkha Welfare.

She said that while there have been developments in terms of improved rights for Gurkhas - spearheaded by the work of Joanna Lumley - there are still grievances such as Gurkha pensions, adult dependents, medical health care in Nepal.

The inquiry, which will be held next year and its findings reported back in March, consider historical unfairness in pay, benefits and allowances.

Ms Doyle-Price said: "The Gurkhas are a much valued part of the British army and are held in high self esteem and with considerable affection by the British public.

"There are Gurkha communities up and down the country who play a positive role in our communities.

"While there have been significant developments in recent years in terms of the pay and conditions of Gurkha soldiers and the extension of the right to settlement there remain some outstanding grievances which the Gurkhas are determined to have addressed.

"It is for this reason that the All Party Group is to hold this inquiry. This will give the Gurkhas the opportunity to make their case to a committee of Parliamentarians and for the Ministry of Defence to publicly address the points."