To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons his Department has contracted a private security firm to provide security at Colchester Garrison; how many private security employees have been engaged; when the decision to involve a private security firm was made; what competitive tendering procedure was undertaken; what the (a) value and (b) period of the contract is; and if he will make a statement. (183468)

During the deployment of 16 Air Assault Brigade on Op Herrick, as announced on 6 February 2008, Official Report, columns 68-70WS, the Department has contracted a private security firm to provide unarmed guarding during the period of the Brigade's absence at Colchester Garrison. In order to deliver this service, the contractor engaged a total of 18 security personnel.

The decision to contract a local security firm was made in September 2007 following a full investment appraisal. There was a full competitive tendering process in accordance with Ministry of Defence contracts manual and EC public procurement regulations.

The value of the contract is £652,000 and the duration is 10 months to cover the deployment of the brigade, pre deployment training and post tour leave.