To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the rules of engagement for private military companies operating in Iraq. (133528)

[holding answer 23 April 2007]: I have been asked to reply.

The operation of private security companies in Iraq is regulated by Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Memorandum Number 17. CPA legislation remains in force as part of the law of Iraq by virtue of Article 130 of the Iraqi Constitution until amended or repealed by the Iraqi Government. Annex A to CPA Memorandum Number 17 sets out binding rules on the use of force, which apply to all private security companies in Iraq. I will arrange for CPA Memorandum Number 17 to be placed in the Library of the House. It is already available on the following website:

http://www.iraqcoalition.org/regulations/index.html #Regulations.