To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts his Department has with private military and security companies for services provided in Iraq; what the value is of each such contract; what contracts are being (a) negotiated and (b) considered; what the expected value is of such contracts; and if he will make a statement. (132618)

For the purposes of this response I have taken the question to refer to armed security contracts.

The use of private mobility and security companies for the static guarding of empty buildings is currently being considered.

I also refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 5 March 2007, Official Report, column 1657W, to the hon. Member for Old Bexley and Sidcup (Derek Conway). No contracts are currently being negotiated between MOD and private military and security companies for services in Iraq.