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In Great Britain, a basic inter-urban network of motorways was completed in a very short period between the end of 1959 and 1972. We calculate that this substantial investment had the potential to reduce most inter-urban journey times by about one third. In spite of this, a recent OECD study suggested that the investment had no discernible positive impact on the trend rate of economic growth. We attribute this outcome to a serious misalignment of the early investments with the then predominant flows of industrial and commercial traffics and a significant, and probably endogenous, increase in real wages in a road transport industry in which labour productivity was slow to improve. We conclude with a number of policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and operation of Britain's energy networks have not changed significantly in 50 years. Energy networks will have a central role to play in decarbonising the economy. Unprecedented levels of technical and commercial innovation are likely to be necessary. The existing incentive-based approach to regulating the monopoly networks has been a success in lowering prices whilst delivering investment and improved reliability. But it will need to change to encourage and reward these levels of innovation. This paper sets out some of the regulators' thinking on the changes required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the scenario in Great Britain where downfall in labour productivity hampered economic development, which it depicts has happened due to developments in the cost of capital. Topics discussed include implications of the rising cost of capital, historical analysis of the matter with regard to the economy of Great Britain and policy implications.

Argues that the economic revolution of the 1980s, brought about the administration of Margaret Thatcher, represents a genuine structural improvement in the British economy. Fundamental structural improvement; Medium-term control of the budget deficit; Attitudes to trade unions; Reform of taxation and benefits; Overmanning in industry; Wider share-ownership.

Explores the implications of trade-unions for industrial operations and productivity in Great Britain. Monopoly power of trade-unions; Emphasis on the printing, railways, medicine and music industries; Allocative costs of unionism; Negative implications for economic growth.