HC Deb 05 July 1993 vol 228 cc13-4W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the private visits to Northern Ireland by foreign Heads of State in each of the last three years.

The Prime Minister

The information is as follows:

  • 16 December 1990—President Robinson
  • 4 February 1992—President Robinson
  • 22 May 1992—President Robinson
  • 6–7 September 1992—President Robinson
  • 18–19 June 1993—President Robinson

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Prime Minister what criteria are used to distinguish between private and official visits to the United Kingdom by foreign Heads of State.

The Prime Minister

Official visits are those undertaken at the invitation of the British Government.

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the public engagements which have been fulfilled by Heads of State during private visits to Northern Ireland in each of the last three years.

The Prime Minister

The information is as follows16 December 1990 President Robinson attended the Installation of Archbishop Daly at Armagh and visited the Armagh Observatory. 4 February 1992 President Robinson met women's groups at the EOC Offices in Belfast; had lunch with the Law Society; met voluntary groups and cultural traditions groups in the Linenhall library; and attended a reception in Stormont castle. 22 May 1992 President Robinson, as part of "Impact 92" in Londonderry, lunched with Church leaders, visited Foyle day care centre, opened "The Craft Village", visited community groups, and attended a civic reception and pageant. 6–7 September 1992 President Robinson attended the "Beyond Hate Conference" in Londonderry; opened Belcoo enterprise unit; lunched with Enniskillen Rotary; and met community groups in Enniskillen library. 18–19 June 1993 President Robinson visited the Northern, Ireland Voluntary Trust, Down museum, and West Belfast community groups; attended the Solicitors' Association annual dinner; and visited Coalisland enterprise centre and Ballance house, Glenavy.

All the above visits were private. President Robinson attended each engagement at the invitation of the organisers.

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