§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who decides whether a visit by a foreign head of state to Northern Ireland is categorised as(a) official, (b) private and (c) working; and what criteria are applied in each case. [35307]
§ Dr. John ReidWhen a visiting head of state is invited by Her Majesty's Government, the visit is described as a guest of Government or official visit. Working or private visits take place on the initiative of the visitor or at the invitation of third parties.