Direct Entry Commissions (Graduates)

HC Deb 07 March 1962 vol 655 cc383-4

18. Mr. Willis

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty how many offered themselves for the direct graduate entry for commissioned rank in September, 1961; and how many were accepted.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Four candidates offered themselves for the postgraduate direct entry for permanent commissions in September, 1961, for service in the Engineering Specialisation. Two were accepted.

Mr. Willis

Does this come up to the expectations of the Admiralty, and is entry open to other categories?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

With regard to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, this was, as he knows, a new arrangement. We are now employing one officer to maintain liaison with the universities and thereby give greater publicity and encouragement to the scheme. We have other schemes—the Supplementary List Electrical Specialisation, the Instructor Branch, and the Medical and Dental Branches—to which we seek to attract graduates from the universities.