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Armed Forces Bill

I made it clear at the outset, as did my hon. Friends, that the clause goes to the heart of the Bill and reflects some of the most significant changes to our procedures under the existing individual service Acts. We have sought not only to set out some of the concerns that we feel exist, but to make the case that, if the Government feel so strongly that what we are saying is already current practice, it ought to be stated in the Bill. I am sorry to disagree with the hon. Gentleman on his first outing as the Minister, but I feel very strongly about the issue. I have made the case in the Select Committee, I have the support of my hon. Friends, and we are disappointed that the Government feel unable to make such a change or, indeed, to offer us any possible change, not even further consideration before the Bill goes to another place. Therefore, I am afraid to say—with no personal disrespect to the Minister—that I am not satisfied and that I will invite my right hon. and hon. Friends to vote against the clause standing part of the Bill.