HC Deb 29 January 1947 vol 432 cc187-8W
11. Commander Pursey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what changes have been made in the management of the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook; who are the chairmen and members of the present committee; what are their duties; how often they are to meet; and whether any changes are intended as regards the entry of sons of poor seamen, particularly orphans, and their education.

Mr. Dugdale

It is intended to set up a Committee of Management under my chairmanship to deal, under the general direction of the Board of Admiralty, with the administration of the Royal Hospital School, including its finance and educational policy. The Committee of Management will replace the present Advisory Committee, and I take this opportunity of paying tribute to the valuable work which the Advisory Committee has done during a transitional period. The membership of the new Committee of Management will include two Members of this House, and several outside educational experts, as well as Admiralty officials. The Committee will meet as required, and it is intended that Sub-Committees shall also be constituted to deal with particular aspects of the administration of the School. The Royal Hospital School will continue to be devoted to the education of the sons of seamen, preference being given to orphans and other compassionate cases.

12. Commander Pursey

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty the number of applicants for entry into the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, at the last entry and the date; the number accepted and rejected who were total orphans and those who had father or mother dead, respectively, with the totals and the reasons for the rejections.

Mr. Dugdale

The number of applicants for the last entry to the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, was 107. At this entry on 10th January, 1947, no applicant was a total orphan. Forty-nine were fatherless boys, and of these 42 were accepted, six failed educationally, and one medically. Six were motherless boys, all of whom were accepted.