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Armed Forces Bill

It seems to me that several noble Lords have made vital points. Whether or not one agrees with the sentiments of the noble Lord, Lord Garden, clarification is needed. In the Minister's first answer, which I presume was according to his brief, the words ““recklessly or negligently”” appeared several times. Surely it would be better if the clause itself contained those words. The noble Viscount, Lord Slim, made a point that was excellently responded to by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mayhew, whereby some additional phrase—we are not drafting in Committee but the Minister can consider this—such as ““without lawful excuse”” could be added. It seems abundantly clear that under the facts outlined by the noble Viscount, if something is destroyed to withhold it from the enemy who is advancing upon it, that is not misapplication, nor is it a waste; it is a perfectly proper act.