HC Deb 05 June 1882 vol 270 c64
MAJOR MASTER

asked the Secretary of State for War, Why at the Civil Service Examination December 1881, were the three West India appointments given to the three unsuccessful candidates for the Line (Nos. 71, 72, 73) rather than to the three highest candidates for West India Regiments, in face of War Office Memorandum (extract dated December 1880), and applicable to November and December Examination 1881, saying There will be 105 Cadetships to be competed for, of which five will be for candidates for West India Regiments?

MR. CHILDERS

I have inquired into the subject of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Question, and I find that the rule has been always observed of offering to the highest unsuccessful candidates on the list West Indian commissions if a sufficient number of West India candidates did not succeed in the competition. The wording of the Memorandum to which he has called my notice, and which is of old date, is a little obscure, and I will have it made clearer in future.