HC Deb 30 March 1943 vol 388 cc15-6
21. Mr. Hutchinson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a large number of cadets, including many senior warrant officers and non-commissioned officers, who had successfully completed their training at the pre-Officers' Cadet Training Unit training centre, Wrotham, have recently been rejected by No. 21 Selection Board, after a brief test and interview; and whether, in view of the discouraging effect of rejection in these circumstances, he will review the cases recently rejected by this Selection Board?

Sir J. Grigg

I regret that, owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding, the War Office Selection Boards who interviewed these men before they went to the pre-O.C.T.U. 'training centre passed candidates who were not up to the standard normally required. The men concerned were therefore re-examined by the Selection Board attached to the training centre. The Board had before it the results of the written tests carried out by the earlier Board, and it was unnecessary to repeat these tests, which in any case form a comparatively small part of the whole procedure. I am satisfied that this was the right course to adopt and that it would not be in the interests of the Service to send on candidates to O.C.T.Us. until they are considered fit to become efficient officers.

Mr. Hutchinson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of the candidates had passed successfully through their training at the pre-O.C.T.U. unit before being interviewed by the Selection Board?

Sir J. Grigg

I am not aware of that. In fact, I think that that is not in accordance with the information at my disposal; but I will look at my information again and verify that.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Was there any departure at this O.C.T.U. from the procedure which certain Members were privileged to inspect at certain camps some weeks ago? We were then fairly satisfied with the methods of examination.

Sir J. Grigg

The officer in command of the pre-O.C.T.U. was not satisfied with the quality of some of the candidates, and he had them re-tested. I think unfortunately, in the light of after events, he did not have a complete re-test. He took for granted the previous written test.