§ Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the training course provided by his Department in forestry is limited to men not exceeding 25 years of age; whether he is aware that this practically 76W bars all ex-service candidates; and whether he will issue instructions that such age limit is to be waived and preference given to ex-service applicants for such a course?
§ Mr. ACLANDI have been asked to reply to this question. The age limit for students taking the two-year training course at the Forestry Commission's schools for forest apprentices is 25, but the regulations provide for the admission under special circumstances of apprentices over that age. Preference has always been given and is still given to ex-service men, and in the case of a suitable applicant service would be held to be a special circumstance justifying the setting aside of the age limit.