§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, in announcing the examinations to be held in February of next year for appointments in the Customs and Excise service, the Commissioners have fixed the age limit for applicants of nineteen to twenty one years of age; whether he is aware that before the Hobhouse Committee sat to consider this matter the age limits were nineteen to twenty-two years, and that this action of the Commissioners, without any previous warning, has penalised many students between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-two; and whether, in view of the effect of this rule on students, the Commissioners will withdraw their decision for this examination at least, and allow students of from nineteen to twenty-two years to compete?
Mr. McKINNON WOODI am aware of the change to which the hon. Member refers. Definite warning has been given for some time past that no announcement could be made as to the limits of age at future examinations; but, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for the Newbury Division on the 8th instant, it has been decided to allow the former age limits to apply to the examination to be held in February next.