HC Deb 18 June 1925 vol 185 cc807-8
77. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to offer the same facilities for naval cadetships as are now granted to boys in the mercantile training ships "Conway" and "Worcester" to the boys in the Royal Hospital School, Greenwich, and other sons of petty officers and men of the Royal Navy?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)

Boys leave the Royal Hospital School at the age of 15½ approximately. Naval cadets entered under the special scheme from the "Conway" and "Worcester" will in future be eligible only if between the ages of 16 years and eight months and 17 years. My hon. and gallant Friend will remember that I informed him on the 13th May, that it is undesirable for cadets to enter Dartmouth except at the normal age. The special arrangements for the entry of "Conway" and "Worcester" boys were approved on account of the specialist nautical training received in those establishments. The arrangements cannot be extended to boys who have not been so trained.

78. Sir B. FALLE

asked the First lord of the Admiralty whether he will make it known to the Navy that in the event of there being any boys in the Royal Hospital School, Greenwich, or sons of warrant officers, petty officers, and men not in the Royal Hospital School, but who possess the requisite educational and other qualifications for entry as naval cadets and are within the age limits for entry into Dartmouth, facilities will be granted to enable them to attend the necessary interview and examinations?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The authorities at the Royal Hospital School are already aware that any boys in the school who appear to possess the requisite educational and other qualifications for entry as naval cadets may be granted facilities to enable them to attend the necessary interview and examinations. As regards boys not in the Royal Hospital School who are desirous of entry as naval cadets, the only action required is for them to send in an application to the Admiralty. They will then be called before the committee in due course.