§ Q3. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Prime Minister what factors he takes into account when advising Her Majesty on State visits.
§ The Prime MinisterAll relevant factors are taken into account, including an appreciation of the objectives of British foreign policy and of the manner in which a State visit can promote these objectives.
§ Mr. RobertsAs we are so often told that the Queen is one of Britain's major national assets, does my right hon. Friend 193 accept that in a period of economic stringency it is important to make full use of this asset to support the sale of British goods and services overseas and maintain Britain's national standing overseas?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that Her Majesty has shown this on one or two occasions, for example, when she visited one foreign country and British business men, with her permission, were able to give a reception in the yacht "Britannia". In other ways Her Majesty has always shown her full support for our export efforts.