HC Deb 15 February 1955 vol 537 c159
1. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War what changes are pro posed in the conditions of entry to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Antony Head)

None, except that entrants will now do 13 weeks as other ranks at Sandhurst instead of 10 weeks at the training unit of their Arm.

Mr. Stewart

Does that mean that cadets will enter Sandhurst without having had previous experience in the ranks elsewhere?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. The cadets will have passed into Sandhurst by both examination and interview, and they will go straight to Sandhurst, thereby avoiding a considerable waste of time.

Mr. Wigg

Is this in accordance with the Guards' tradition that the officers and other ranks must be completely separated?

Mr. Head

No, Sir, it is not at all. It is in the tradition of avoiding waste of time and of increasing efficiency.

Mr. Ede

What is the nature of the examination?

Mr. Head

I should like notice of that question, but I can give the right hon. Gentleman a set of the papers if he so desires.