§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many private military companies have been employed by the Government since 1997; and in what capacity. [37172]
§ Mr. IngramMinistry of Defence records do not separately identify contracts with "private military companies". As the Command Paper "Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation" published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 12 February makes clear, the term "private military company" covers a wide range of people, corporations and activities. The MOD has and continues to seek the involvement of private sector companies who can provide assistance with military support activities, for example maintenance and training. Types of activity where the MOD is involving the private sector in public-private partnerships were listed in my answer to the hon. Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) on 7 February 2002,Official Report, columns 1082–84W.