HC Deb 15 August 1871 vol 208 c1652
COLONEL BERESFORD

asked the Secretary of State for War, Why twenty-five marks are deducted by the Civil Service Examiners from the total number of marks gained in each subject by every candidate; and if in the event of a candidate obtaining the exact minimum of marks required to qualify in a subject, twenty-five marks are deducted from such minimum, thereby disqualifying such candidate?

MR. CARDWELL

The deduction is described on page 130 of the Report of the Civil Service Commissioners as a highly successful expedient for discouraging diffusive and shallow study. The minimum for a qualifying examination is the gross number of marks gained; but in cases of competition the deduction is made.