HC Deb 13 April 1937 vol 322 cc811-2W
Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War how many cadetships to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, have been awarded in each of the last three years to boys from State-aided schools; and what percentage these numbers represented of all the cadetships granted in each year?

Mr. Cooper

I regret that the information cannot be obtained without a considerable expenditure of time and labour, which I do not think would be justified in present circumstances.

Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War the approximate total cost to the parent of the 18 months course undergone by a cadet at Sandhurst or Woolwich, in those cases where the full fees are required to be paid?

Mr. Cooper

The approximate total cost at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, is £370, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, £380.

Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War by what method boys below the age of 13 are selected for King's cadetships, as appears from paragraph 24 of the War Office publication, Regulations respecting admission to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst; and will he state whether these boys, once selected, are bound to proceed later to Sandhurst or Woolwich?

Mr. Cooper

Boys below the age of 13 years are not eligible to be selected for the award of a King's cadetship but they may have their names registered at the War Office for consideration on attain- ing that age. The main consideration to which regard is had in making selections for King's cadetships is the financial position of the boy and his surviving parent or guardian. A boy awarded a cadetship under paragraph 24 of the Regulations respecting admission to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, is expected to take the first or any subsequent entrance examination for which he is eligible, in accordance with the written promise given by the parent or guardian that the boy will enter the Army unless prevented by medical or educational unfitness or by unsatisfactory conduct.