HC Deb 25 June 1952 vol 502 cc189-90W
95. Dr. King

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many boys from grammar schools and how many boys from public schools, passed the recent written examination for places at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; and how many of each group were awarded places at the college after the selection interviews.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

In the recent competition for entry into Dartmouth at age 16, the number of boys who passed the qualifying written examination was 54 from secondary grammar schools and 44 from independent and direct grant schools. Seven boys from secondary grammar schools and 24 boys from independent and direct grant schools were awarded places at Dartmouth after selection interviews and medical tests.

Mr. M. MacPherson

96, 97 and 98. asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) how many Dartmouth entrants he has obtained from Scottish schools in the last three years; how many from schools other than Scottish; and what action he proposes to take to increase the numbers he obtains from Scottish schools;

(2) why the Dartmouth entrance examination attracts few Scottish candidates;

(3) why, at the interview in connection with Dartmouth entrance, the proportion of candidates from Scottish schools who are judged unsuccessful is high compared with the proportion from schools other than Scottish.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas

In the last three years seven boys from Scottish schools have entered Dartmouth at age 16, and 237 from schools other than Scottish. I do not think that there is any clear evidence in the figures to suggest that the proportion of candidates unsuccessful at the interview, for Scottish schools, differs significantly from that for other schools.

I am as concerned as the hon. Member at the apparent lack of interest in commissions in the Navy amongst boys from Scottish schools, but I regret that I am in no better position than he is to explain this phenomenon, which I believe is to a great extent common to all three Services. He will be interested to know that steps have been taken which I hope will encourage more boys from Scotland to compete for places at Dartmouth. A naval officer maintains liaison with schools in Scotland, and courses have been started locally for Youth Employment Officers and Careers Masters to inform them of the methods of entry into the Navy.