Iraq: Security Guards

Dr. Fox
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what private contractors have provided protection services for his Department in (a) Iraq and (b) Afghanistan in each year since 2003.

Dr. Howells
The information requested by the hon. Member is as follows:

Iraq

2003: Control Risks

2004: ArmorGroup, Control Risks

2005: ArmorGroup, Control Risks

2006: ArmorGroup, Control Risks, GardaWorld (formerly Kroll Security Group)

2007: Control Risks, GardaWorld

ArmorGroup provided static security until 2006, when GardaWorld (formerly Kroll Security Group) took over this contract. Control Risks provides mobile security. Both contracts were subject to a retender in early 2006.

Afghanistan

2003: ArmorGroup

2004: ArmorGroup

2005: ArmorGroup, Edinburgh International

2006: ArmorGroup, Edinburgh International

2007: ArmorGroup

ArmorGroup provides both static and mobile security. This contract was subject to a retender in late 2006. Edinburgh International provided a one-off contract for both static and mobile security services for a project between 2005-06.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) ensures that all contracts are subject to a rigorous selection process so that we obtain best value for money. Any company engaged by the FCO needs to pass through a stringent and transparent procurement process in line with public procurement guidelines and best practice.