HC Deb 14 November 1951 vol 493 cc956-7
10. Mr. W. W. Astor

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will review the age of entry into Dartmouth.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

The Admiralty has commenced a review of the present system of entry of cadets into the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, which has now been operating for three years. It is not likely, however, that I shall be in a position to announce the completion of this review for some time.

Mr. Astor

Will the First Lord make provision that the best possible officers in adequate numbers will be the only consideration in his decision?

Mr. Thomas

Obviously, it must be the first object of an inquiry of this kind.

Mr. James Callaghan

As we on this side of the House attach very great importance to this question, may I ask the First Lord not to take any steps that will have the effect of restricting the age of entry, so that all classes of boys may have an equal opportunity of entering Dartmouth?

Mr. Thomas

I shall certainly bear that point in mind; otherwise, I must ask hon. Members to await the result of the inquiry.

Mr. Callaghan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he will be subjected to increasing pressure from some of his hon. Friends to alter the age of entry, which will mean that boys will be restricted in entering Dartmouth?

Mr. Thomas

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am subject already to quite a lot of pressure from both sides.