MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, how many candidates between the ages of twelve and thirteen for naval cadetships under the new regulations have been nominated for the next examination; and how many of these are candidates whose parents or guardians would not agree that the candidate, if successful, should, at the discretion of the Admiralty, be posted to any one of the three branches of Engineers, Executives, or Marines.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe First Lord has not yet given any nominations for the examination in question. The announcement which appeared in the newspapers of the 26th May, as to the course which the First Lord has decided to follow with regard to these nominations, is being adhered to. The number of candidates who are prepared to join any one of the three branches of the service is so great that no candidate will be nominated on whose behalf this undertaking has not been given.
MR. GIBSON BOWLESThen there is to be no option. Every child who is nominated must become interchangeable.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNot necessarily. Circumstances will decide the action of the parents. If the number of candidates entering continues to be as great, parents will see it is useless to enter boys for a single nomination.
§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Will the candidates who get the highest marks not be given their choice.
§ *MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERNo, Sir, nor will it be necessary to make the choice for eight years after the examination has taken place.