§ 9. Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of Slate for War what is the approximate number of men in uniform who act as batmen in the United Kingdom; and whether he proposes to control the batman system by closer and more frequent combings-out and to place some of these batmen in the fighting ranks, or, if of a low medical category, to return them to industry?
§ Captain MargessonI regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. The allotment of batmen varies according to the rank of the officer, the type of unit and other conditions. Batmen with fighting troops are fully armed and trained soldiers and are available for ordinary duties in the ranks.
§ Mr. LiddallDoes not my right hon. and gallant Friend consider the present to be an appropriate moment to abolish this archaic system?
§ Captain MargessonI think the use of batmen tends to military efficiency.