§ 29. Mr. KELLAWAYasked if the right hon. Gentleman has seen the statement made by Captain Charlton, A.D.C, R.N., before the Marconi Committee that, in advertising for wireless telegraphy experts, it was stipulated that applicants should have a university degree; and whether this represents the settled policy of the Admiralty?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. Captain Charlton's statement has not been fully reported and has been misunderstood. The advertisement was for a candidate with university education, and having a wide knowledge of electrical theory and of general electrical manufacturing methods. The candidate selected was educated at Nottingham High School, in the engineering schools of the University College, Nottingham, and obtained the degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering (London).
§ Mr. KELLAWAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is more important that an applicant should have a university degree than that he should be an efficient applicant?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think the steps taken in this case have been admirably conceived to secure the most efficient men for the posts in question.
§ Mr. KELLAWAYCan we have an assurance that such a qualification as this will not be included in the qualifications for any other posts under the Admiralty?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLCertainly not. I could not give any assurance of that kind. I think in this case the right course has been followed, and I daresay there may be other cases in which a similar course may be followed. There is no question of limiting it to any particular university.
§ Mr. CROOKSAre we to understand that these posts are kept entirely for university men, and only for those with a double first in lawn tennis?
§ Mr. BOOTHWould the right hon. Gentleman not consider it preferable to stipulate that the applicants should be passed by the Electrical Institute rather than have degrees in science and arts?