§ 12. Sir Robert Youngasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men between the ages of 22 and 27 are being used as officers' batmen within a very short time of their enlistment; whether he can give the approximate number of able-bodied men so employed; and whether he will consider if such officers' servants can be engaged from those who served in the last war or other ex-service men?
§ Mr. LawYoung men of the ages mentioned are employed as batmen in field army units which will go overseas, because the duties require a higher medical category than in home service units. In the latter, men of high medical categories who are employed as batmen are being replaced by others. I cannot say what numbers are involved.
§ Sir R. YoungDo these men get any additional pay and, if so, who pays them?
§ Mr. ThorneWhat is the duty of a batman?
§ Mr. LawThe duty of a batman is to be a servant to an officer, but when the unit goes overseas he naturally finds himself with other important duties.
§ Mr. ThorneDoes he have to black an officer's boots and help him to dress?
§ Mr. HammersleyMay I ask my hon. Friend if this system of employing young men between 22 and 27 on non-combatant service could not be altered for more efficient organisation?