Part of Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 5 August 1947.
Mr John McKay
, Wallsend
12:00,
5 August 1947
asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an officer in the R.A.M.C., particulars of whom have been sent to him, who did most of his service abroad and was due for Class A release in June, 1946, has been given a Regular commission, binding him perhaps for 21 years without his consent and against his wishes; and if, as this officer is being penalised in his future civil career, he will have urgent inquiries made so that the officer's release can be effected quickly to enable him to take the university course in public health and obtain the grant in connection with this which has been secured if release be granted.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.