§ MR. DUNDASasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is true that the number of vacancies in the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich to be offered for competition in July next is only about half the number offered for competition in January last; and, if such is the case, whether he will state what is the reason of such diminution; and, whether it will be possible in future, so far to consider the convenience of intending competitors as to give early notice of any considerable reduction in the number of vacancies to be offered for competition?
MR. GATHORNE HARDY, in reply, said, the reason why there were not so many vacancies in the Royal Military Academy at the present moment as in January last was, that the Engineer and Artillery force was more nearly being filled up. There were 30 vacancies now against 36 in January last, and it was probable that the number would not rise at present for the reason he had stated.