§ SIR EDWAED WATKINasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether at least twenty-five of the Militia Subalterns eligible for September by having passed the Civil Service examinations are at their last chance, as, after September, they will be too old; and, whether, in such cases, he will permit an extra chance to be given in alleviation of the hardship caused by giving 110 places in September 1880.
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, I have been, in common with my advisers at the War Office, much puzzled by my hon. Friend's Question. So far from the giving of 110 places in September, 1880, having been a hardship, it has really greatly assisted the chances of the present competitors, by withdrawing so many eligible candi- 847 dates from the following examinations. I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion after the September examination; but as it might have the effect of admitting the most unfit of all recent candidates, I can say nothing more now.