HC Deb 12 July 1965 vol 716 cc20-1W
Commander Pursey

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of applications for the last entry into the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk, the number for commissioned officers' and ratings' sons, respectively, the numbers who were orphans, and the numbers who failed educationally, medically or at the selection interview.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

As the House was informed during the last Greenwich Hospital Estimates debate (HANSARD, 15th July, 1964, c. 1350) no distinction is drawn between parents who are ratings and those who have served for a minimum of four years before promotion to commissioned Rank. A restriction to 10 per cent. of the entry is placed on sons of direct entry officers.

The last entry to the Royal Hospital School was in May, 1965. There was a total of 82 applicants; 5 applications were from direct entry officers and 9 from officers promoted from the lower deck. Four of these applications were on behalf of orphans, all of whom were admitted.

Of the 46 who were not admitted, 20 did not reach the educational standard required. No applicant failed on medical or interview grounds.

Commander Pursey

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of sons of flag officers, or equivalent rank, active or retired, at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk, the number with both parents living, and the number of fathers or mothers who are themselves paying fees and the range of fees.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Whilst the rank of the officer is not relevant for the purpose of considering applications or collecting fees, I am able to tell my hon. and gallant Friend that the answer to his question is "None."

Commander Pursey

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the standard of education required for the entry of an orphan son of a naval rating, at the age of 11 years, to the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, Suffolk.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Rhodes) last Thursday.

Commander Pursey

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make arrangements for the showing of the 16 millimetre film in black and white about the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, to hon. Members.

Mr. P. W. Mallalieu

Yes.