HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc896-7
13. Captain WEDGWOOD BENN

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state for the last five examinations how many cadets have been admitted to Woolwich and Sandhurst by nomination under Regulation 31, and how many of these cadets have qualified at the examination; how many have been admitted by examination in the ordinary course; and what reasons decide the Army Council in preferring a candidate nominated under Regulation 31 before a candidate who has qualified in the examination in the ordinary course?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

With the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement giving the information asked for in the first two parts of his question. The system of nomination for cadetships at the Royal Military Academy and Royal Military College was introduced in March, 1911, with the object of securing candidates from the class of schoolboy who, while possibly not seen to his best advantage at examinations, was not deficient in practical ability, and was conspicuous in his school for character and power of leadership. Headmasters have been very careful in making their recommendations, and the scheme has proved a great success, having given the Army many officers who have subsequently distinguished themselves on service.

Captain W. BENN

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any sub-

STATEMENT showing the number of cadets who have been given nominations to the Royal Military Academy and Royal Military College by the Army Council on the recommendation of Headmasters of approved schools for the last five examinations; the number of these nominees who qualified; and the number who entered by means of the ordinary competitive examination.
— Nominations. Nominees who Qualified. Successful competitors at examination.
ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY.
November, 1918 … … … … … 9 6 72
June 1919 … … … … … 5 2 58
November, 1919 … … … … … 5 5 60
June, 1920 … … … … … 1 1 63
November 1920 … … … … … 1 1 67
ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE.
November, 1918 … … … … … 32 1 147
June 1919 … … … … … 19 9 153
November, 1919 … … … … … 20 18 140
June, 1920 … … … … … 18 8 154
November, 1920 … … … … … 17 9 154