Will the hon. I want to get on with my speech. I welcome the new format of the defence debates. It is far more rational to have a debate on functional issues, rather than the nonsense of debates on single-service issues. It is a great shame, given that our armed forces have fought a war so recently, that only 25 right hon.
Members can stir themselves to attend the debate.
It is important for the House to scrutinise and to influence matters. Twenty years after that new Select Committee system was established, I hope that the Modernisation, Procedure and Liaison Committees will say that it is time to give Select Committees some power so that they can discharge their obligations more effectively. I am pleased that many Defence Committee reports have been mentioned. The strength of the Committee is that we give hell to everyone. Column 484 to cheer.