The Act - Commentary on Sections Civilian contractors attached to or accompanying a force
142.The categories of civilians who are subject to Service law whilst overseas are set out in the SDAs and include civilian contractors. There was some doubt whether the definition included self-employed persons. Paragraphs 44(a) and 45(a) clarify the definition of contractors to include persons with their own businesses. Civilian contractors become subject to Service law when authorisation is granted by the Defence Council. To provide some flexibility, paragraphs 44(b) and 45(b) provide that the power to grant these authorisations may be delegated by the Defence Council.