§ Viscount MORPETHasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under Rules 18 and 19 of the Regulations for the entry and training of boy artificers in His Majesty's Navy, a county with a long seaboard and a sea-faring population would be considered as likely to supply suitable candidates; and whether he will have such counties included in the Admiralty List?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not altogether concur that a county with a long seaboard would be more likely to supply suitable candidates for admission as boy artificers than a large engineering or industrial centre. In any case, in view of the limited number of boys who can be admitted, I am afraid I can give no general undertaking as to the inclusion of a particular class of counties in the list. But the application of any educational authority to be included will be considered on its merits and in relation to service requirements.
§ Viscount MORPETHCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why some counties have preference over others?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot admit that is the case. If the Noble Lord would like to go through the list with me I shall be glad to see him.