HC Deb 09 April 1883 vol 277 cc1814-5
SIR MASSEY LOPES

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, If it is correct that the claims of boys of ten and a-half years of age, whose fathers are living, have been excluded from all consideration for admission to Greenwich Hospital School, in anticipation of any proposed changes, and contrary to the existing Orders in Council; and, whether, if any important alterations are contemplated with reference to the administration and reduction of boys in Greenwich Hospital School, he will give the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion upon those changes before they are carried into effect?

SIR THOMAS BRASSEY

Sir, it is correct that the admission to Greenwich Hospital School of boys of 10½ years of age, whose fathers are living, has been temporarily suspended; but there is no intention of permanently reducing the number maintained at the expense of Greenwich Hospital. Apian is under consideration for educating boys with strong service claims, but not physically eligible for Greenwich School. It is proposed to maintain 800 boys in Greenwich School, and 200 in institutions similar to those in which the daughters of seamen and Marines are at present educated. A Bill is in course of preparation, giving power to the Admiralty to carry this plan into effect; and, on its introduction, an opportunity will be given for discussing any changes in the administration of the school.

SIR MASSEY LOPES

asked whether, as the funds of Greenwich Hospital were very considerable, the hon. Gentleman would consider the expediency of maintaining the same number of boys at Greenwich Hospital School as were formerly maintained there, and would also maintain the 200 additional boys elsewhere?

SIR THOMAS BRASSEY

, in reply, said, the question should be considered if it were found that there were now any boys claiming admission to the school in excess of the number for which provision was proposed to be made.

MR. PULESTON

Will the hon. Gentleman say when the Bill will be introduced?

SIR THOMAS BRASSEY

It is in preparation, and will be presented at an early date.