HC Deb 11 February 1947 vol 433 cc34-5W
Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for War in how many cases are commissioned officers of His Majesty's Army employing German prisoners of war as batmen; and whether this has been undertaken with his knowledge and approval.

Mr. Bellenger

In prisoner of war camps and working companies German batmen are employed on a recognised scale in place of British troops. There is authority at present for the employment of about 700 such batmen in the United Kingdom, but I cannot say exactly how many are doing this work at the moment.