§ 33. Mr. AYLESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of boys in the Royal Naval College, Darmouth; the number of masters, attendants and other members of the staff; the cost per scholar for the upkeep of the college; the percentage of boys that enter the Navy; the percentage that go into professional or commercial life; and whether, amongst other things, a pack of beagles is kept for the boys to hunt with, and, if so, at what cost, if any, to the State?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe present number of cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, is 508. The total staff of the college, including naval officers, masters, instructors, attendants, labourers, etc., is 442. The average all-in cost per cadet for the current year is estimated at £311. Towards this cost, a contribution averaging £124 per cadet is paid by the parent or guardian. Ninety-two per cent. of the cadets who enter Dartmouth pass out and proceed to sea. The 8 per cent. who do not proceed afloat leave the naval service for various reasons—death, medical unfitness, withdrawals, etc. Nothing is known of their subsequent careers. The pack of beagles at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, is not maintained at public expense.