§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the checks needed to(a) ensure accountability, (b) avoid human rights violations and (c) avoid legal actions by the private military companies; and if he will make a statement. [38796]
§ Dr. MoonieThe paper "Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation", which was published on 12 February 2002, examines the various activities of private military companies and sets out options for their regulation. It is a consultation paper, and invites comments from all interested parties by mid-August 2002. A full regulatory impact assessment would be drawn up once final decisions on any legislative proposal have been made.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what private military companies have been granted licences to operate from the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [67841]
§ Dr. MooniePrivate military companies operating from the United Kingdom are not at present subject to a licensing regime in respect of the provision of military services. One of the options set out in the FCO's Green Paper "Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation", published on 12 February 2002, is for the introduction of a licensing regime.