§ 6. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what is the constitution of the Interview Committee for the selection of candidates for admission to the examination of special entry cadets; what steps have been taken to include members who could counterbalance any possible social bias against admission of candidates from the lower deck; has this method of entry for lower-deck candidates been inserted in the King's Regulations or promulgated to the Fleet in monthly Orders so as to make it widely known to possible candidates; is this method of special entry to be continued after this year; and, if not, is any alternative method being arranged to permit of the entry of lower-deck candidates?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The Committee referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend consists of a Senior 880 Flag Officer, a Captain, R.N., and a civilian, who is on the First Lord's Staff. There is no social bias against admission of candidates from the lower deck. The "special entry" examinations were not originally intended as a special avenue of promotion from the lower deck. This system of entry will be continued, and in addition, the Admiralty is considering the institution of special facilities to enable bluejacket boys and young sailors to train for commissions.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting officers who were themselves promoted from the lower deck on the Inspection Committee when lower deck candidates come before them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat shall be put to the naval authorities.
§ 7. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will say what is the total number of candidates who have been interviewed by the Interview Committee for admission to the examination of special entry cadets since the institution of this method of entry in 1913, and up till the entry in February, 1919; how many of these candidates came from the old public schools; how many from grammar schools; how many from elementary council schools under the direct administration of the Board of Education; and how many of these candidates were from the lower deck of the Navy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe number of special entry candidates interviewed from 1913 to February, 1919, is 1,072, and is made up as follows: From the bigger public schools, 408; from the lesser public schools and grammar schools, 631; from council schools, 12; and from the lower deck, 21.