HC Deb 19 June 1950 vol 476 c83W
Mr. Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for War under what Statute or regulations he becomes, by virtue of his office, a member of the Armed Forces of the Crown.

Mr. Strachey

The Secretary of State for War does not by virtue of his office, become a member of the Armed Forces of the Crown. Since there is not a state of war in Malaya there is no obstacle to arms being borne by civilians against Communist terrorists, who are themselves civilians, and this is, in fact, a common practice.