§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the powers he exercises, and functions he can carry out, without any specific parliamentary approval.
585W
§ Mr. PattieUnder the royal prerogative the Secretary of State for Defence is charged with general responsibility for defence of the realm. He is chairman of the Defence Council constituted by letters patent of Her Majesty to administer and command the armed forces. A large number of provisions in a wide range of statutes require or empower the Secretary of State for Defence to take certain actions or decisions, with or without the specific approval of Parliament in the particular case. Other powers and functions are inherent in the office of a Minister of the Crown: for example the day-to-day management of the Department.