§ MR. WALKER (Leicestershire, Melton)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to the statement of the First Lord that the cost of the thorough education given to naval cadets at the two Naval Colleges obliges the Admiralty to call upon the parents for a substantial contribution towards it, upon what principle a reduction in the charges is made in the case only of officers of the Navy and Army who can show that the fees paid are a serious burden; whether the present system restricts the area of selection; how large an additional sum would be involved if the whole cost of this education were placed upon the Navy Estimates; whether he is aware that in the United States Navy a system of nomination of cadetship is adjusted to democratic conditions by the State's undertaking the whole cost of the cadet's education and training until he attains a rank in the service at which his pay enables him to support himself.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. E. ROBERTSON,) DundeeThe reduction of fees in favour of a limited number of sons of naval and military officers in poor circumstances has long been an established custom in the entry of cadets for the Navy. As regards the area of selection, the number 1559 of candidates is roughly three times the number of vacancies. The additional cost in the present year if the whole charge wore placed upon the Navy Estimates would be £55,000. As regards the last part of the Question, I believe it is a fact that in the United States the whole cost of the cadet's training is borne by the States from the time of his entry at an average age of eighteen.
§ MR. ARTHUR LEE (Hampshire, Fareham)Have the Admiralty received any offers from local bodies or other authorities in response to the appeal made by the First Lord?
§ MR. E. ROBERTSONNot so far as I am aware.