HC Deb 06 May 1931 vol 252 cc372-4
16. Mr. MATTERS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the admission to Dartmouth Naval College of the son of King Alfonso is subject to his undergoing the educational, physical, and other tests and examinations which cadets are ordinarily required to pass?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The admission of foreigners to courses of naval training and instruction is never subject to the ordinary tests and examinations.

Mr. MATTERS

May I ask whether this lad will in due course be entitled to enter the Navy and receive pay in the service of this country?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I should like to have notice of that question.

Mr. THORNE

May I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether the man in question should be designated ex-King or Mr.?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Grossly impertinent!

Mr. SPEAKER

The language of the question seems to me to be very suitable.

Mr. THORNE

Are you aware that His Majesty's Government have recognised the Spanish Republic?

Mr. BRACKEN

Is it not a fact that this boy's father was a true friend of innumerable English men and women during the War?

Mr. MARLEY

On a point of Order. In view of your Ruling, Mr. Speaker, that the designation in the question is quite correct, may I ask of where is he King?

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Is there no chivalry in the Labour party whatever?

Mr. SPEAKER

The language of the question does not suggest that he is King of anywhere.

15. Mr. AYLES

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of non-British cadets at present at Dartmouth Naval College; the conditions under which they entered; and whether the college is open to all non-British people under such conditions up to the college capaciity?

Mr. ALEXANDER

Prince Juan of Spain is the only non-British subject at present at the college. With the exception of certain foreign princes, foreign subjects have not ordinarily been admitted into the college, primarily owing to considerations of accommodation and to the fact that the alternative facilities in His Majesty's Ship "Erebus," for the purely naval training generally asked for, have been found more suitable.

Captain W. G. HALL

Are not the regulations really strict, and only British-born subjects of pure European descent are eligible for entry into Dartmouth?

Mr. ALEXANDER

That is not the position. We have precedents like the case of the Belgian Prince for admissions of this character.

Mr. OLIVER BALDWIN

Is it not the case that he is a Prince and the other is not called a Prince at all?