§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what checks are carried out on private military companies supplying guards to British interests in Iraq. [166134]
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§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) employs two private security companies to provide armed protection for its staff and assets in Iraq. These companies were subject to normal checking procedures for contact with private military and security companies in line with FCO guidelines.
§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what security checks are carried out on(a) Iraqi nationals, (b) Third Country nationals and (c) international employees of private military companies protecting British interests in Iraq. [166136]
§ Mr. RammellI have been asked to reply.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office employs two private security companies in Iraq. One provides armed escorts for its staff when travelling outside secure areas, the other provides static guards at the former embassy and at the British Office in Baghdad. Personnel under these contracts are subject to security vetting prior to deployment, depending on the job they will be doing.