My right hon. Friend will recall that the North-West was the first and at one time the only area that was observing the voluntary 50 mph speed limit. People in that area will be glad that others, particularly in the South-East, will now be obliged to follow their example.

Will my right hon. Friend accept that his great concern for the problems of rural areas will be much appreciated? May I ask him to assure the House on two matters: first, that diesel oil that is available for tractors is evenly distributed throughout the country so that vital farming operations are not held up; and, secondly, that petrol is made available for farm implements that are run or started on petrol, such as the old-fashioned TVO tractors, band saws, and so on?