§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty in what training ship and at what shore establishment the training of special entry cadets is carried out; and how long the period of training is carried out in a ship at sea before the cadets go to sea as midshipmen?
§ Mr. HODGESSpecial entry cadets now undergo their training in His Majesty's ship "Thunderer," which is attached to the Reserve Fleet at Devonport. The period of training as a cadet is 12 months, and on completing the course of training cadets are appointed to sea-going ships as midshipmen. During the year's training in the "Thunderer" practical training in seamanship, navigation and steam is imparted by periodical cruises in the sea-going tender "Forres," twin screw minesweeper.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the present period of training of naval cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, before going to sea as midshipmen; whether any training now takes place in a sea-going ship; and what is the approximate period actually spent at sea in a man-of-war before the cadets are sent to His Majesty's Fleet as midshipmen?
§ Mr. HODGESThe course of training for naval cadets at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, extends over 3⅔ years. On passing out of Dartmouth cadets are appointed to sea-going ships in the Atlantic or Mediterranean Fleets for a period of eight months before being rated midshipmen.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the ages at which candidates may present themselves for examination for special entry cadetships; and in what schools did the last 100 candidates who received special entry cadetships receive their education?
§ Mr. HODGESCandidates for naval cadetships, special entry, must not be more than 18½ nor less than 17½ years of age on the 1st July following the examination. The schools, colleges, etc., at which the last 100 successful candidates were educated number over 50.2016W It would be invidious and possibly misleading to specify the establishments by name, but if the hon. and gallant Member desires it I will communicate them to him privately.