§ Sir Frederic Bennettasked the Prime Minister what are the criteria on which he relies in inviting foreign heads of government to pay official visits to the United Kingdom; and whether such criteria include approval or disapproval of the democratic quality of the Governments of such countries, and the importance of an export/import balance of trade between them, and the United Kingdom.
§ The Prime MinisterThe aim of inviting foreign Heads of Government to visit the United Kingdom is to further good relations between the two countries and to promote our common interests. All relevant considerations are assessed before particular invitations are issued.