HC Deb 30 November 1960 vol 631 cc385-6
34. Mr. G. R. Howard

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many naval scholarships are currently being awarded for the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; what is the current number of applicants; and how many of these will be awarded reserve cadetships.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

I regret that I am unable to give figures for the current Royal Naval and Royal Marine Scholarship Competition, which will not be complete until September next. I can, however, give the results of the last competition. There were 712 applicants; 72 Royal Naval and 6 Royal Marine scholarships, and 65 reserved cadetships, were awarded. We are getting just as many applicants for the current competition.

Mr. Howard

While expressing gratitude to my hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask him two questions? Is he satisfied with the calibre of these successful entrants, and does he consider that the reserved cadetships are proving successful?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We are getting some very good boys from all sorts of schools. Of course, we should like to see something better, for one is never satisfied with any standard reached. On the reserved cadetships we feel that those who have just missed getting a scholarship should have a place reserved for them at Dartmouth. It is too early to say whether we are being successful, because we have to wait until we see how many enter in September, but it looks encouraging.

Mr. Dugdale

What proportion comes from State schools and what from private schools?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I thought I should probably get that one. I am sorry that the right hon. Member has raised it. Boys from independent schools gained 44 scholarships and 41 reserved cadetships, from direct grant schools 13 scholarships and 7 reserved cadetships, from maintained grammar schools 14 scholarships and 14 reserved cadetships, and from nautical training and other schools 7 scholarships and 3 reserved cadetships.

Commander Courtney

Is my hon. Friend aware of the disquieting number of naval families who, for some reason or another, are no longer encouraging their sons to enter Royal Naval schools?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I notice an encouraging entry to the House of Commons from Royal Naval families. That, I hope, will help us to use our influence in the country at large to show that there is a very considerable future for young people in the Royal Navy.