HC Deb 05 August 1919 vol 119 cc149-50
11. Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the valuable type of officer supplied to the Army by the universities, steps would be taken to put an end to the present embargo which made it impossible for any student at a university to enter Woolwich or Sandhurst?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There is no embargo such as my hon. and learned Friend suggests. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a more detailed reply to his question.

The following is the reply referred to:

There is no embargo on students at the universities competing for Woolwich or Sandhurst. They can do so in the same way as any other candidates, provided they fulfil the conditions as to age. In the case of those students who were serving in the Senior Division of the Officers' Training Corps on the 1st March, 1919 (or who had served prior to that date), they are allowed to compete for Woolwich or Sandhurst up to the age of twenty-one. A limited number of students can be recommended by universities for nomination to cadetships at Woolwich and Sandhurst. This number is dependent on the strength of the university's contingent of the Officers Training Corps. It will be possible for a student to obtain a commission in the Army through a university as an alternative to passing through Woolwich or Sandhurst.

Sir H. CRAIK

Is it the case that unless special terms are obtained for the universities the age limit shuts them out? I hope my right hon. Friend will keep in consideration the fact that the Commander-in-Chief of the victorious British Army was himself a man who joined the Army through a university?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, but the Regulations which are contemplated will make it possible for a student to obtain a commission in the Army from a university as an alternative to passing through Sandhurst.

Sir H. CRAIK

At present that is stopped.

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not think so. At any rate it will be a great mistake for the Army to cut itself off from the supply from the universities of a proportion of its officers.

Colonel ASHLEY

Could the right hon. Gentleman say that a definite number of commissions will be reserved for the universities, as was done before the War?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I think that the time has now come when it is possible to examine with some approach to practical results the problem of the composition and scale of our future Army.

Mr. J. JONES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of giving freedom and equality of opportunity to all men to become officers in the Army?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Certainly; equality of opportunity according to merit.

Captain W. BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a Committee to inquire with a view to unifying the conditions for all three Services?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I could not answer any question that does not refer to the Service for which I am responsible.