§ MR. SALTsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, What number of Cadetships will in future be allotted annually to the sons of Officers who have served in the Indian Army; what is the number of applica- 895 tions for Cadetships at present outstanding and unsatisfied; and, whether a preference is given to the sons of Officers who had fallen in action?
MR. GRANT DUFFIn reply, Sir, to my hon. Friend's first Question, I have to say that eight commissions will be allotted to the sons of Indian officers for the next two or three years, till the reduction of the Army is carried out. In reply to his second Question, I have to say that about 200 applications are now outstanding and unsatisfied, exclusive of applications from persons disqualified by age. In reply to his third Question, I have to say that a preference is given to sons of officers who fell in action; but of course the merits of the father are only one element in deciding as to the claims of the son.