HC Deb 23 February 1871 vol 204 cc747-8
MR. STEPHEN CAVE

said, he had given Notice of a Question to the Secretary of State for War in reference to the course it was proposed to take with reference to the appointment to commissions in the Army of those candidates who passed their examination in the autumn of last year. As that Question was substantially answered by the reply to the noble Lord the Member for West Essex (Lord Eustace Cecil) last Monday, the Secretary of State had allowed him to ask him a Question on that answer. He said that candidates who passed their examination last autumn would be admitted to commissions "sub- ject to conditions for insuring competency." He wished to ask whether it was intended that they should undergo another examination?

MR. CARDWELL

No. These commissions will be issued without purchase; and I meant to say that, in consideration of that great advantage, certain conditions would be laid down for insuring the efficiency of officers during their progress in the service.