The response of those Conservative-controlled councils in That National Crisis-a crisis brought about by the Labour Government of the day - was that it was right that they should react in a public-spirited and responsible manner.

In That National Crisis, I got no sense from officials - from the emergency planners, vets or anyone else - but when I spoke to the Secretary of State in a canteen in this place she made that decision and it all happened the next day.

There is a very strong public health argument for having lighter evenings in this country to help with That National Crisis.