§ MAJOR GAVINasked the Secretary of State for War, When will the next examination for direct Commissions be held, or likely to be so; and, also taking into consideration the long list of candidates already on the list of the Commander in Chief for direct Commissions, what time is likely to elapse before that list be absorbed and Commissions be given to such young gentlemen who are now prepared to offer themselves at the next examination for direct Commissions?
§ MR. CARDWELLI am informed, Sir, that there are at present 64 gentlemen cadets, 23 University candidates, and 435 direct commission candidates who have passed the qualifying examination, and are still within the prescribed ago. Under these circumstances, it appears probable that at least three years will elapse before any who have not yet been examined can be provided with commissions.