§ 3. Sir John Graham Kerrasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the increased recognition of the importance of a high standard of powers of observation and of general mental alertness, he will institute adequate examination tests in these for all candidates for commissions in the Army.
§ Sir J. GriggAll recruits, on entering the Army, and all candidates for commissions are given intelligence tests, which measure their mental alertness. Candidates for commissions who pass through War Office Selection Boards—and this covers all but a small number, who are commissioned directly into technical arms—are given practical tests, which measure their powers of observa- 561 tion and their mental alertness. I can assure my hon. Friend that the importance of these qualities is fully appreciated.