§ CAPTAIN STACPOOLEsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Is it true that there are at the present time 600 or more young gentlemen undergoing their examination for Direct Commissions; and, if 1521 so, as a large number of them must be rejected, Will they be allowed to have the usual two more trials, as laid down in the Regulations, provided they do not exceed the ages also laid down; and, if so, when will those who are rejected be informed when they may expect to be called upon to undergo their examinations?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, I am not prepared to give any pledge in respect of future examinations until the result of this examination and the prospect of commissions for those who pass out shall be ascertained.