Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Rob Wilson (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: What is the Secretary of State's estimate of the impact of UK-based private companies on the security situation in Iraq? And what plans does he have to sign new contracts with those private companies?

Answer: I do not have any estimate of those companies' contribution to the overall security situation, which primarily lies in the hands of the multinational forces, who are handing over to Iraqi forces. Iraqi forces are increasingly becoming trained, capable and able to take over leadership on security, which they will do on Thursday of this week, and they are the people who will ultimately play the major role. The multinational divisions or any private companies who are temporarily providing a degree of security will remove themselves from Iraq as soon as the Iraqi security forces and the democratically elected Government of Iraq want it to happen.

Secondary information