§ Mr. PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the impossibility of obtaining a degree at any English university before reaching the age of nineteen, he is aware that entrance into the Army through Woolwich is closed to a university-trained man; and whether, in the interest of the scientific branches of the Army, he will consider the propriety of making special arrangements for the professional training of university men who desire to enter either the Royal Engineers or the Royal Artillery corps?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn the years immediately before the War about 10 per cent. of the officers entering the Army possessed university degrees, and it is the intention of the Army Council to reopen this channel of entry. I would point out, however, that it is not yet possible to forecast the requirements of the Service in respect of the number of young officers that will be needed some two years hence. One of the conditions for entering the Army as a university candidate is that a degree must be obtained. This usually entails a course of study lasting three years, and, as national service was in force until towards the end of last year, few candidates will be fit to present themselves before 1921. Meanwhile the Army Council have the problem of the supply of officers before them, and the question of strengthening the corps of officers from among the graduates of the universities is not being lost sight of.