§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for War how many free scholarships have been granted to Woolwich and Sandhurst since the 28th July, 1938; what is the value of scholarships so awarded; what qualifications are needed in order to enter for them; how many of such scholarships went to men from elementary schools; and are militiamen open to enter for them?
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§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe full normal charge for the three term course is £380 at Woolwich and £370 at Sandhurst, or £260 at Woolwich and £250 at Sandhurst for the son of an officer or man of the regular forces. Free places are awarded to candidates successful at the Army entrance examination solely on the basis of the means of the parent or guardian. If a free place is not granted, the fee charged may be at a reduced rate according to means. There is no restriction on the number of free places or reduced rates that may be granted.
Since 28th July, 1938, 518 candidates have been admitted to Woolwich and Sandhurst. Of these, 372 have been admitted free or at reduced rates (including the special "service" reduction), namely:
Seventy-six free (including Army cadets, King's cadets and apprentice tradesmen—see page 73 of Army Estimates, 1939).
Two hundred and ninety-six at reduced fees.
I cannot say how many of the candidates began their education in an elementary school, but 39 out of the 76 came from other than public schools. As a candidate at the Army Entrance Examination must be in possession of a School Certificate, it would not be possible to compete direct from an elementary school.
Militiamen by reason of their age are ineligible for admission to the Cadet Colleges, but there are other plans for affording militiamen an opportunity of obtaining commissions after they have completed their six months' service.