Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 10 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 November 2005. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Thursday, 24 November 2005 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Iraq

Question: (2) what legal immunities apply to individuals employed by private (a) military and (b) security companies contracted to his Department in Iraq;

Answer: [holding answer 17 November 2005]: The Ministry of Defence does not contract any private military companies or private security companies in Iraq, and we hold neither employment records nor company policy documents for those which do operate there. Contractors working for Coalition nations are immune from Iraqi legal process only with respect to acts performed by them pursuant to the terms and conditions of a contract or sub-contract. Otherwise, they must respect all relevant Iraqi laws, including Coalition Provisional Authority order regulations, orders, memoranda and public notices.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28816; 439 c2205W;439 c2203W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Contracts Armed forces Iraq Immunity from prosecution Private sector Staff Security Private military and security companies