§ THE EARL OF HARDWICKEasked the noble Lord the Secretary at War, whether Her Majesty's Government had definitively settled the plan of education for young officers entering the army, and, if so, what was the plan in all its details.
§ LORD PANMUREThe question which my noble Friend has put to me, would require a very long explanation from me, if I entered into details; but I am happy to inform him—of what I dare say he is aware—that the education of officers of the army is (of course under the responsibility of the Secretary at War) placed in the hands of the Commander in Chief. The Commander in Chief is president of a council which consists of three members besides himself—one of whom is a general officer of great learning as well as military acquirements; another, is an eminent officer of Engineers; and the third, is an officer who has on many occasions distinguished himself. This council has made to me its first Report, which addresses itself to the point to which my noble Friend has referred—namely, the education of candidates for the military service. I have expressed my concurrence in that Report. It has been submitted to Her Majesty for approval, and as soon as that 1424 approval has been expressed, I will lay it on the table of your Lordships' House, in which case all persons will be made fully aware of the details of the plan.
§ In reply to a further question from the noble Earl,
§ LORD PANMUREsaid, it was not intended to continue Woolwich and Sandhurst exactly in their present condition. It was intended to amend them both, so that officers might obtain commissions in the Artillery and Engineers, as well as in the line, from them.