HC Deb 05 March 1888 vol 323 cc177-8
MR. GOURLEY (Sunderland)

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, The age at which boys are now entered on board the Britannia; whether any examination of the cadets has been held during the past year; and, whether the Reports of the Examiners can be laid upon the Table before the Statement on the Navy Estimates?

THE FIRST LORD (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)

The limit of age of cadets entering the Britannia at the present time is 14; but after June next it will be extended to 14½. Examinations are held twice in each year, and the results are forwarded to the Admiralty. They are held by examiners appointed from the Univer- sities, who are changed every two years. I shall be glad to give the hon. Member any information he requires; but I do not think that these Reports are of sufficient public importance to justify the expense of printing them.