§ SIR PATRICK O'BRIENsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been directed to the case of several young gentlemen at present on His Royal Highness's the Field Marshal Commanding in Chiefs list for direct commissions by purchase, who not having attained the age requisite (17 years) prior to presenting themselves for examination on the 25th instant, are precluded from presenting themselves for examination on that day, and consequently will be prevented from ever hereafter receiving a commission in the Army, as by the Horse Guards rule, when all those who shall have successfully passed the coming examination have received their commissions, the new rule greatly limiting the age of future candidates will come into operation, excluding all now on the list who have not passed on the 25th, and 643 whether under these exceptional circumstances, the Secretary of State for War will permit such young gentlemen as are now prepared to present themselves for examination, and are at present on His Royal Highness's list, to be examined on the 25th of July, notwithstanding their not having attained the age of 17 years by that day?
§ MR. CARDWELLSir, it is a mistake to say that they are excluded, since the Regulation says—
Candidates, whose names are on His Royal Highness's list, but who will not be old enough for examination in July next, will remain on the list; but owing to the number who will most probably qualify for commissions, and who will have to be provided for, there will be no further examination for commissions in the cavalry and infantry of the Line for a considerable length of time after July next, before the expiration of which period revised Regulations for examination will be issued.How soon there will be another examination will depend on the number who succeed at the first, and on the requirements of the Service. Due consideration will be given to those already on the list, who, in case the absorption goes on rapidly enough to create vacancies, will have the first claim.
§ SIR PATRICK O'BRIENsaid, he would hog to ask, If there would be another examination before the new Rules come into operation?
§ MR. CARDWELLThe new Rules will come into operation after the examination to be held on the 25th instant.