§ 27. Mr. GILBERTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of naval reductions, it is proposed to reduce the number of boy artificers now accepted annually for Navy service; if so, can he state in what manner such reductions will take effect; and if it is proposed to reduce the number of places now placed at the disposal of education authorities in the country?
§ Mr. AMERYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The reduction will be effected by reducing the number of candidates declared successful on the results of the examinations held annually in April and October. As regards the last part of the question, all candidates recommended by educational authorities are examined in October, and candidates up to the number required are entered in order of merit as determined at this examination. It is not proposed to place any limitation upon the number of candidates that may be recommended by educational authorities, but, as already stated, the number of candidates declared successful on the result of the examination will be reduced.