§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether the War Office proposes to lower the standard of examination for candidates seeking commissions in the Army Medical Department; and, if so, what is the reason for doing so?
§ * MR. BRODRICKThere is no inten-to lower the standard of examination for admission to the Medical Staff. The only change made is that more marks will be allocated to the practical subjects of medicine and surgery, with the view of obtaining the best practical doctors.
§ DR. TANNERI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, what were the respective number of candidates and commissions to be obtained in the last three examinations for the Army Medical Department?
§ * MR. BRODRICKIn February 1895, there were 17 candidates for 12 vacancies; in August following 23 candidates for 13 vacancies; and in February last, 18 candidates for 17 vacancies. As I stated recently, the decrease in candidates is engaging Lord Lansdowne's serious attention.