§ Mr. O. BALDWINasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the reasons that govern the division of schools into those entitled to possess an Officers' Training Corps and those entitled only to a Cadet Corps; and whether he will abolish this difference by making all Officers' Training Corps into Cadet Corps as long as he considers that there is need for such organisations?
§ Mr. SHAWIt is necessary for financial reasons to limit the establishment of the Junior Division of the Officers' Training Corps, and, in accepting offers1756W to raise contingents, preference is given to schools which are likely to give the State the greatest advantage from the training afforded. Broadly speaking that training differs from that in Cadet Corps in having in view an older type of boy. It is of most value to boys of 17 and 18, and in many of the schools which have Cadet Corps boys leave soon after attaining the age of 16. As regards the last part of the question, I am advised that in view of the important role which the Officers' Training Corps plays as a potential source for the supply of officers, it would be undesirable to convert the junior contingents into Cadet Corps.