bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Origins of Agricultural Support
Authors: Howarth Richard W.
Published: May 2006

What are the origins of agricultural protection? Dr Richard Howarth of the University College of North Wales reviews the history of agricultural protection in the Western world.
Chopping and Changing Forestry Policy
Authors: Whetstone Linda
Published: May 2006

What's wrong with forestry policy? Linda Whetstone, a former Forestry Commissioner, argues that the Government could achieve all the aims of the Forestry Commission by constructing pyramids in Scotland!
The Spectacle Voucher Scheme Has Started Well
Authors: Senior Ian
Published: May 2006

The Government's scheme for spectacle vouchers is little known. Ian Senior, of the Economists Advisory Group, argues that the principles of the scheme could be applied elsewhere.
Verdict on Grant‐Maintained Schools
Authors: Lynn Richard
Published: May 2006

What will be the consequences of the Education Bill? Professor Richard Lynn of the University of Ulster argues that maintained schools should have the right to select their entry.
Broadcasting‐Auctions, Competition and Policy
Authors: Velianovski Cento
Published: May 2006

How efficient is the Government at regulating the radio spectrum? Dr Cento Velianovski argues that its current system of TV franchises should be replaced by auctions.
What Every‘A’Level Economics Candidate Should Know
Authors: Anthony V.S.
Published: May 2006

In the first of a new series devoted to economics at Advanced Level, Viv. Anthony, Headmaster of Colfe's School and Chief Examiner of the Oxford and Cambridge Examinations Board, gives some tips on passing the exam, and improving one's grades.
The Political Economy of Arms Control
Authors: Hartley Keith
Published: May 2006

Can arms control be destabilising? Keith Hartley, of the University of York, explores the political economy of the arms race and disarmament.
Defending the Defence Industrial Base
Authors: Hooper N.
Published: May 2006

Should defence industries be subsidised by the taxpayer? Nick Hooper, of the University of York, outlines the case for scepticism.
The Economics of Defence Manpower: Conscripts or Volunteers?
Authors: Ash Colin
Published: May 2006

Are volunteer forces or conscription the best method of supplying recruits for the armed forces? Colin Ash, of Reading University reviews the issues.
The Restoration of the Phillips Machine: Pumping up the Economy
Authors: Moghadam Reza , Carter Colin
Published: May 2006

What is the Phillips Machine? Reza Moghadam and Colin Carter, of the Suntory Toyota International Centre for Economics and Related Disciplines, describe the machine invented by Professor Bill Phillips to model the British economy in the 1940s and its recent restoration.
Comparable Worth: Some Problems
Authors: Siebert W.S.
Published: May 2006

Can legislation promote equality of earnings between men and women? Stanley Siebert, of Birmingham University, argues that the comparable worth criterion has serious disadvantages.
Under what circumstances might demand and price rise? Does such an observation contradict the law of diminishing marginal utility?
Authors: Dawson Graham
Published: May 2006

Graham Dawson, Head of Economics at Bedford School, gives the fourth in the series of Model Answers for ‘A’ Level economics.
The Economics of Capital Punishment
Authors: Mishan E.J.
Published: May 2006

The argument for and against capital punishment turns on its effectiveness as a deterrent. Professor E.J. Mishan argues that the evidence is now clear that capital punishment saves innocent lives.
The Minimum Wage Law and Teenage Crime: Evidence From the US
Authors: Hashimoto Masanori
Published: May 2006

What is the effect of minimum wage regulation on youth crime? Masanori Hashimoto, of Ohio State University, argues that in the USA the evidence suggests that the minimum wage causes both unemployment and teenage crime.
The Economics of Crime: Climbing the Decision Tree
Authors: Brower George
Published: May 2006

How is it possible to study crime as an economic problem? George Brower, of the University of Connecticut, shows how the original argument of Professor Gary Becker has been tested and developed.
A Policy for the National Health Service, Part II
Authors: Minford Patrick
Published: May 2006

In the second half of his article describing his plans for reforming the National Health Service, Professor Patrick Minford analyses some alternative reforms and rebuffs possible criticisms of his own proposals.
In Praise of Rising House Prices
Authors: Bracewell‐Milnes Barry
Published: May 2006

The recent rise in the price of houses is highly controversial. Dr Barry Bracewell‐Milnes argues that it may have some unexpected advantages.
Universities in a New World
Authors: Ferns H. S.
Published: May 2006

Professor H. S. Ferns reviews the likely effects of the Government's reforms of the finance of the universities and concludes that they are likely to make universities more responsive to the market.
An Economy Out of Step: Germany's Invisible Deficit
Authors: Manser W. A. P.
Published: May 2006

What is the significance of Germany's visible surplus and invisible deficit? W.A.P. Manser argues that it represents a weakness in the German economy in contrast to Britain which has an invisible trade surplus and a visible deficit.
On Markets and Pseudo‐Markets in Socialist Economies
Authors: Winiecki Jan
Published: May 2006

Liberalisation of East European economies is desirable. But, as Professor Jan Winiecki of Warsaw University points out, there are reforms and psuedo‐reforms.
A Prescription for Monetary Policy in the Bush Administration
Authors: Schwartz Anna J.
Published: May 2006

How should the Federal Reserve conduct monetary policy for stable growth and low inflation? Professor Anna Schwartz of the National Bureau of Economic Research in New York, argues that the American central bank should steadily reduce the rate of monetary growth.
The US Budget Deficit in Perspective
Authors: Keating Giles
Published: May 2006

Is the budget deficit the major problem facing the new administration? Giles Keating of Credit Suisse First Boston in London, argues that the size and significance of the Federal budget deficit is greatly exaggerated.
The Economics of Charities: Revised Theory and New Evidence
Authors: West Edwin G.
Published: May 2006

Can economic principles be applied to the behaviour of charities? Professor Edwin West of the Universities of Carleton and Emory, claims that charities are susceptible to the same type of analysis as companies ‐ but with important differences.
Trade Unions in a Free Society
Authors: Steele G.R.
Published: May 2006

What is the function of trade unions in a free society? G.R.Steele, of Lancaster University, analyses the paradox that trade unions, which are only possible in a free society, are ultimately in conflict with it.
Why Manufacturing Industry Matters
Authors: Bazen S. , Thirlwall A. P.
Published: May 2006

Does a healthy economy require a prosperous manufacturing sector? S. Bazen and A. P. Thirlwall, of the University of Kent, argue that an expanding manufacturing sector is vital to the economy.
The Service Sector is Also Productive
Authors: Eltis Walter , Murfin Andrew
Published: May 2006

Does growth come from manufacturing or services? Walter Eltis, Director General of NEDO, and Andrew Murfin, argue there is no evidence that manufacturing is more important as a source of economic growth than services.
Manufacturing or Services After 1992?
Authors: Lawrence Peter
Published: May 2006

Is it even possible to distinguish between manufacturing and services? Peter Lawrence, chairman of Associated British Industries PLC, argues that the difference is only semantic.
De‐industrialisation: Myths and Realities
Authors: Baron Tony
Published: May 2006

Is de‐industrialisation desirable? Tony Baron, of Chase Manhattan Securities, argues that de‐industrialisation is a sign of the health of the British economy, rather than an indication of weakness.
The New Institutional Economics and the Structure of the Firm
Authors: Ricketts Martin
Published: May 2006

How is the behaviour of businesses and businessmen best explained? Professor Martin Ricketts, of the University of Buckingham, reviews the theories of the new institutionalism in our series of Special Briefs.
Chaos and Economics
Authors: Ball Mike
Published: May 2006

Is the economy chaotic? Dr Mike Ball of the University of Liverpool, applies the new mathematics of chaos to the economy. He concludes that the connection between cause and effect in the economy is far from certain.
Will the Lawson Boom Cause as Much Inflation as the Barber Boom?
Authors: Congdon Tim
Published: May 2006

The parallels between the Lawson and Barber booms are uncomfortably close. Tim Conqdon reviews the evidence and concludes that Mr Law‐son's legacy of inflation will be less than that of Lord Barber.
Setting Examination Essay Questions in Economics at Advanced Level
Authors: Maunder Peter
Published: May 2006

Economics is a very popular subject at Advanced Level. Peter Maunder, Joint Chief Examiner for the University of London Board, presents a view on the style of essay questions to enable candidates to demonstrate their grasp of economic principles and their relevance to the real world.
‘A’ Level Economics Model Answers I
Authors: Dawson Graham
Published: May 2006

Graham Dawson, who has taught economics for 12 years at Bedford High School, gives the first of a new series of Model Answers for ‘A’ Level economics.
Demographic Trends in the Industrial World: Europe's Declining Population?
Authors: Coleman David
Published: May 2006

What will be the effects of a decline in population? David Coleman, of Oxford University, shows that Europe is faced by a population decline between now and 2020 and reviews some of the consequences.
Too Many People? The Myth of Excess Population
Authors: Kasun Jacqueline
Published: May 2006

Is the world threatened by overpopulation? Professor Jacqueline Kasun, of Humboldt State University, demolishes the myth of overpopulation and argues that population growth can be better regulated by individual decision rather than state control.
Population and Long Run Economic Growth in India
Authors: Lal Deepak
Published: May 2006

Was Malthus right? Professor Deepak Lal, of University College London, argues on the contrary that population growth has been a prime cause of increased agricultural production in India.
Reform of the Legal Profession: The Biggest Bang of All
Authors: Hanson Charles
Published: May 2006

How strong is the case for the reform of the legal system? Charles Hanson, of Newcastle University, offers a robust defence of the government's proposals for ending restrictive practices in the legal profession.
The End of the Milk Marketing Boards
Authors: Whetstone Linda
Published: May 2006

Are the Milk Marketing Boards about to collapse? Linda Whetstone, a farmer, suggests that recent decisions by the courts could lead to the end of the Milk Marketing Boards. A final decision by the European Court is expected shortly.
Europe's Congested Airspace – Time for Market Solutions
Authors: Barrett Sean D.
Published: May 2006

Why will holiday makers have to wait so long in airports this summer? Sean Barrett, of Trinity College Dublin, claims that congestion could be eased by competitive tendering for air traffic control and markets in airport capacity and competition for airspace.
The New Student's Guide to Economics at Universities and Polytechnics
Authors: Dnes Antony W.
Published: May 2006

What should the new student in economics at college expect? Anthony Ones, a lecturer in economics at Buckingham University, outlines how economics is taught at universities and polytechnics.
Markets, Materialism and Messages
Authors: Jenkins David
Published: May 2006

Lord Harris's critical review of the Bishop of Durham's book ‘God, Politics and the Future’, in the February/March issue of Economic Affairs, inspired the following reply from the author. Readers must fudge for themselves.
The Road Bruges
Authors: Robertson Patrick
Published: May 2006

Will the single market lead to a single economy? Patrick Robertson, the founder of the Bruges Group, claims that the single market and harmonisation is in danger of being used as a subtle means of protecting domestic industries with the ultimate aim of forming a European superstate.
1992 and Beyond: Market Freedom or Collectivist Regulation?
Authors: Holmes Martin
Published: May 2006

Is the ‘social dimension’ of the European Community the ‘socialist dimension’? Dr Martin Holmes, of Oxford University, argues that there is a real danger to Britain's prosperity from the Common External tariff and the CAP, in addition to the collectivism of the ‘Social Charter’.
Monetary Union or International Monetary Order?
Authors: Salin Pascal
Published: May 2006

Is European Monetary Union desirable? Pascal Salin, of the Univeristy of Paris, argues that any system of fixed exchange rates such as the EMS Exchange Rate Mechanism, is likely to prove unsatisfactory.
European Community or Imperial Superstate
Authors: Stone Norman
Published: May 2006

Could the European Community follow the pattern of the Austro‐Hungarian Empire? The historian Professor Norman Stone, of Oxford University, argues that previous attempts at multi‐national institutions have usually ended in discord.
Public Goods: An Appetite That Feeds on Itself
Authors: de Jasay A.
Published: May 2006

Why is the demand for government spending almost insatiable? Anthony de Jasay argues that democratic governments have a natural tendency to give way to the demands of interest groups for more state spending.
Experimental Economics and the Market Process
Authors: Butler David
Published: May 2006

What is experimental economics? David Butler, of the Commodity Research Unit, explains the development of experimental economics and outlines some of its conclusions.
Question and Answer in ‘A’ Level Economics
Authors: Dawson Graham
Published: May 2006

Graham Dawson, Head of Economics at Bedford School, gives the third in the series of Model Answers for ‘A’ Level economics.
Mrs Thatcher's Miracle?
Authors: Layard Richard , Nickell Stephen
Published: May 2006

Has there been an economic miracle during Mrs Thatcher's decade in office? Richard Layard and Stephen Nickell describe the government's achievements, but ultimately conclude that despite benefits there nave been major costs.
Explaining Mrs Thatcher's Success
Authors: Mathews Kent , Stoney Peter
Published: May 2006

What are the origins of Mrs Thatcher's Success? Kent Mathews and Peter Stoney argue that the economic revolution of the 1980s represents a genuine structural improvement in the British economy.
How Special are the Railways?
Authors: Hibbs John
Published: May 2006

What are the prospects for railway privatisation? John Hibbs, of Birmingham University, outlines some of the problems for what could be the last major privatisation before health and education.
Lost in the American Agricultural Swamp
Authors: Bovard James
Published: May 2006

How serious are the problems that result from taxpayer support for American agriculture? Jim Bovard, of the Cato Institute in Washington, in a Letter from America, explores distortions which put the Common Agricultural Policy of the EEC into the shade.
Can We Privatise Competition Policy?
Authors: Mather Graham
Published: May 2006

How large a role is there for government in competition policy? Graham Mather, general director of the Institute of Economic Affairs and a part‐time member of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, argues the case for loosening the Stock Exchange listing requirements.
The Right Road to Monetary Union
Authors: Chown John , Wood Geoffrey
Published: May 2006

How should European monetary coordination develop? John Chown and Geoffrey Wood argue that the European central banks should be forced to compete in providing the best monetary services.
Changing the Soviet Autocracies: Problems of Transition
Authors: Winiecki Jan
Published: May 2006

How can socialist economies make the transition to the free market? Jan Winiecki, of the University of Warsaw, explains some of the difficulties and concludes that reform in the Soviet Union may only be achieved after a military coup.
Multiple Choice Questions: Concepts and Definitions
Authors: Allan Walter
Published: May 2006

Answering multiple choice questions at ‘A’ Level involves different skills from ordinary questions, Walter Allan, publications director of the Institute of Economic Affairs and former teacher of economics, outlines some concepts and definitions.

The multiple choice paper is still the area which lets many students down. Economic Affairs provides 50 definitions for particular multiple choice questions which should give the student more confidence in the examination room.

Questions are normally split equally between definition and numerical questions. If you know your definitions, the numerical questions become second nature.

Multiple choice papers are difficult to revise for since you do not know which questions will arise. If you take a look at the following list, check how many concepts you are familiar with.
The Crisis of Economic Reform in the USSR and Possibilities for Change
Authors: Chubais Anatoly
Published: May 2006

What are the prospects for economic reform in the Soviet Union? Anatoly Chubais, of the Institute of Economics and Technology in Leningrad, explores the roads by which the Soviet economy can move from central planning to a market economy.
Privatisation of State Enterprises: A Possible Way Out
Authors: Glaziev S. , Mashits V. , Vavilov A.
Published: May 2006

How can Russian businesses be privatised? Three economists from the Moscow Institute for Mathematical Economics, explain how privatisation in the Soviet Union needs to be preceded by a complete reorganisation of industry and its relationship with its sponsoring ministries.
How to Lose Perestroika Without Really Trying – A Polish View
Authors: Winiecki Jan
Published: May 2006

Can perestroika be made to work in the Soviet Union? Jan Winiecki of the University of Warsaw, suggests that easy optimism may be misplaced.
Britain and the European Monetary System: an American Perspective
Authors: Culp Christopher L
Published: May 2006

How strong is the Case for Britain's entry to the ERM? Christopher Culp, of the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, argues that the case for British entry is far from clear.
Poverty, Justice and Social Justice
Authors: Flew Antony
Published: May 2006

Is Christianity essentially collectivist? The philosopher Antony Flew, examines some recent statements from the church.
How to Make Road Pricing Popular
Authors: Goodwin P. B.
Published: May 2006

Can road pricing be made popular? Phillip Goodwin, director of the Oxford University Transport Studies Group, explains how road pricing could be made popular with the electorate ‐ and politicians.
Road Pricing: Solving the Technical Problems
Authors: Hills Peter , Blythe Phil
Published: May 2006

How would road pricing work? Peter Hills and Phil Blythe, of Newcastle University, explain the technical developments which make a variety of road pricing schemes a genuine possibility.
The Underground Economy: Achilles Heel of the State?
Authors: Bartlett Bruce
Published: May 2006

How important is the black economy? Bruce Bartlett, an undersecretary at the US Department of the Treasury, shows that the underground economy is pervasive around the world.
Celebrating the Adam Smith Bicentenary
Authors: Fry Michael
Published: May 2006

The organiser of the Bicentenary Conference of the death of Adam Smith in Edinburgh on July 16–17 describes the plans for this important occasion.
Careers for Economists /
Authors: Tree Nigel
Published: May 2006

What careers are available for students with qualifications in economics? In this issue Nigel Tree looks at openings for professional economists. In the next issue he looks at other careers open to those with a background in economics.
How Fair is the Community Charge or Poll Tax?
Authors: Minford Patrick
Published: May 2006

How strong is the case against the Poll Tax? Patrick Minford argues that the Community Charge has much to commend it. Opponents underestimate the political maturity of the electorate.
parent power lost and regained?
Authors: Seldon Marjorie
Published: May 2006

How can parents regain control of schools? Marjorie Seldon, doyenne of education voucher enthusiasts, argues that education vouchers would restore rights to parents and improve the quality of education.
LVs have a baby
Authors: Harvey Sue
Published: May 2006

In 1989 Luncheon Vouchers Limited launched childcare vouchers. Sue Harvey, Managing Director of Luncheon Vouchers Ltd, reviews the history of the company and explores the rationale of all kinds of voucher benefits for employees.
the cure for skill shortages?
Authors: Moghadam Reza
Published: May 2006

How can training vouchers help to reduce skill shortages? Reza Moghadam of Coopers & Lybrand Deloitte argues that the training voucher pilot schemes launched by the DTI will be an improvement on YTS schemes.
very common currencies
Authors: Davies Christie
Published: May 2006

How far will European harmonisation go? Christie Davies of Reading University peers round the corner and discovers that a little harmonisation is not nearly as bad as a lot.
affirmative poison
Authors: Lewis Russell
Published: May 2006

Affirmative action by governments is often promoted as a panacea for the problems of minorities. Russell Lewis punctures these claims and argues that the cure often exacerbates the disease.
immigration and the collapse of communism
Authors: Eyal Jonathan
Published: May 2006

Will Western Europe have to deal with a flood of emigrants from the East? Jonathan Eyal, of the Royal United Services Institution, argues that the West should not be unduly affected.
‘multiculturalism’ or assimilation: still to decide
Authors: Coleman David
Published: May 2006

Can communities of emigrants be assimilated? David Coleman of Oxford University examines how the issues have been dealt with in the United Kingdom.
The Irish experience of EMS
Authors: Leddin Anthony , McNutt Patrick
Published: May 2006

What has been the consequences of Ireland's membership of the ERM? Often extolled as an example to Britain, Ireland's membership has been a disaster. Anthony Leddin and Paddy McNutt of the Universities of Limerick and Galway respectively, give the details.
government and the PSBR
Authors: Parsons Nick , Coleman David
Published: May 2006

The government has changed its view of how to gauge the size of the budget deficit. Nick Parsons and David Coleman, of Union Discount, argue that this change is an ill‐omen for the control of public spending.
competitive markets from Satisfied producers
Authors: Lewis Russell
Published: May 2006

What is the future of Competition Policy? Russell Lewis discusses this and other issues with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, the Rt Hon, Peter Lilley MP.
a colonial example for the old lady
Authors: Miller Robert
Published: May 2006

How could independence be given to the Bank of England? Robert Miller, secretary of the Shadow Monetary Policy Group (and Editor of Economic Affairs), argues that Britain should follow the example of New Zealand and give conditional independence to the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.
Regulating the UK
Authors: Borrle Gordon
Published: May 2006

How are privatised utilities regulate? Sir Gorden Borrie, the Director General of the Office of Fair Trading and doyen of regulactors, review the recent dramatic changes in regulating utilities and the fostering of competition in Britain.
surrogate competition
Authors: McKinnon James
Published: May 2006

James McKinnon, the Director General of Gas Supply, outlines the regulation of the gas industry and suggests that competition, actual and surrogate, has an important role despite the privatisation of the industry as a single corporation.
economic freedom for africa
Authors: Mensah Charles
Published: May 2006

Why have freedom and the liberal economy declined in Africa since independence? Charles Mensah of the independent Institute of Economic Affairs in Ghana offers an economic explanation.
minimum wage, maximum unemployment
Authors: Summers Martin
Published: May 2006

The Minimum Wage is now a controversial part of the political debate in the run‐up to the General Election. Martin Summers, a research associate of the Institute of Economic Affairs, reviews the evidence of how the minimum wage has worked in other countries and concludes that the creation of unemployment is almost the least of the evils it causes.
artificial insemination for thoroughbreds?
Authors: Whetstone Linda
Published: May 2006

Racehorses bred by artificial insemination (AI) are ineligible to run on British racecourses. Linda Whetstone argues that the removal of this restrictive practice would reduce the cost of buying first rate bloodstock.
free market agenda
Authors: Lewis Russell
Published: May 2006

Following the General Election Russell Lewis suggests items that should be included in the agenda of free marketeers, His radicalism should satisfy the most demanding ‐ income tax at 15p in the pound after ten years!
the learning revolution
Authors: Bain George
Published: May 2006

Professor George Bain, principal of the London Business School, analyses the changes that business schools are making in the face of economic internationalism and new technology.
hayek's economics
Authors: Steele Gerald
Published: May 2006

The dispersal of information in the economy is the key to Hayek's analysis of economic planning, the trade cycle and entrepreneurship. Gerald Steele, a lecturer at Lancaster University, explores Hayek's analysis. The function of the market is to coordinate this dispersed information.
free the liverpool six!
Authors: Summers Martin
Published: May 2006

Six monetarists are wrongly accused of maverick economics. Martin Summers, research associate at the Institute of Economic Affairs, investigates the case of the ‘Liverpool Six’ and reviews the history of their fight for sound monetary policy, concluding that the Chancellor should review their case.
a planning disaster in the car park
Authors: Fisher Mike
Published: May 2006

Mike Fisher describes difficulties that Whale Tankers, a small manufacturing company, had in getting planning permission for a car park. In looking for a cause of unemployment, he argues, one has no need to look further than the planning system.
a students’guide to the CAP
Authors: Whetstone Linda
Published: May 2006

Linda Whetstone, farmer and economist, gives a brief account of the ill‐effects of the Common Agricultural Policy. Is there nothing good to say about the CAP ‐ only that it has increased the availability of supplies but at enormous cost?
routledge economics
Authors: Jarvis Alan
Published: May 2006

Alan Jarvis, economics editor of Routledge, outlines his publishing plans for the coming year. He also describes Routledge's role as Hayek's publisher.
MORE WEASEL WORDS: oxymora and pseudonomasia
Authors: Sherman Alfred
Published: May 2006

Sir Alfred Sherman, distinguished journalist and founder of the Centre for Policy Studies, defines and attacks further ‘weasel words’.
the soviet empire – did it fall or was it pushed?
Authors: Miller Robert
Published: May 2006

Following the downfall of the Soviet Union, Robert Miller speculates on why it disintegrated when it did. If Hitler had won the war, would the Third Reich have suffered the same fate?
Niche‐filling entrepreneurs
Authors: Smaill Peter
Published: May 2006

What is the function of the venture capitalist? Peter Smaill, of County NatWest Ventures, argues that the venture capitalist has a vital role in the economy as creator and innovator.
II: danes could save our bacon
Authors: Bootie Roger
Published: May 2006

For Roger Bootle, chief economist with Midland Montagu, the Danish ‘No’ was an unmitigated triumph.
discovering the truth about aid
Authors: Lewis Russell
Published: May 2006

Economists in the House of Lords are rare; Russell Lewis interviews the celebrated sceptic of foreign aid ‐ Lord Bauer, better known perhaps as Professor P. T. Bauer, and explores his still controversial views about inter‐government aid and aspects of his eventful life.
Oxford UP economics
Authors: Schuller Andrew
Published: May 2006

Andrew Schuller, economics editor of the Oxford University Press, outlines his publishing plans for the coming year.
a taxi for miss doolittle
Authors: Jenks Robin
Published: May 2006

Why is it so difficult to get a taxi in London? Robin Jenks is confident that without regulation the service would be greatly improved. Is it really necessary for taxi drivers to have ‘The Knowledge’?
collapse of the Swedish myth
Authors: Brodin Eric
Published: May 2006

Is Sweden the successful example of a social democracy that it is supposed to be? Eric Brodin, of the Foundation for International Studies in North Carolina, demolishes the mythology of success and shows that socialism and the welfare state have reduced Sweden to moral and material poverty.
how the post office was nationalised
Authors: Starchild Adam
Published: May 2006

How did the state ever become involved in delivering the post? Adam Starchild tells the strange story of the rise and fall of a piece of international medieval entrepreneurship.
is a russian economic miracle in sight?
Authors: Whetstone Linda
Published: May 2006

Despite the almost universal pessimism, are there any grounds for optimism about the future of the Russian economy? Linda Whetstone, economist and farmer, found in a visit to the Russian countryside much of the pessimism misplaced. The Russian recovery is already taking place.
what hope for the economy?
Authors: Bootle Roger
Published: May 2006

When will the recovery start? Will we notice? Roger Bootle, chief economist and director of research at Midland Montagu, reviews prospects for the British economy before the Budget and the General Election.
a sceptical beginners’ guide to the dismal science
Authors: O'Rourke Brendan
Published: May 2006

Many students of economics consider it an unrealistic subject. But as Brendan O'Rourke, of the Accountancy & Business College, Dublin, points out, its capacity to analyse complex problems lies in its capacity to make abstractions.
black well economics
Authors: Allln Mark
Published: May 2006

In the first of a series of articles by economics editors at leading publishers, Mark Allin outlines what economics books Blackwell plans to publish over the next year.
battling with Sir Humphrey
Authors: Phibbs Harry
Published: May 2006

Whoever wins the election, think‐tanks will have their role to play. Madsen Pirie, president of the Adam Smith Institute, explains to Harry Phibbs how government policy making has been opened up to outsiders or, in effect, privatised.
a capital idea
Authors: Davies Christie
Published: May 2006

Christie Davies, of Reading University, proposes to stifle the clamour for Scottish independence by creating an additional British capital in Edinburgh.
weasel words born are every day
Authors: Sherman Alfred
Published: May 2006

Sir Alfred Sherman, founder of the Centre for Policy Studies and distinguished journalist, defines and attacks ‘weasel words’.
the lloyd's phoenix
Authors: Mitchell Martin
Published: May 2006

Will insurance markets in general, and Lloyd's in particular, recover from the low rates and natural disasters that brought them so low in the late 1980s? Martin Mitchell, manager of the Lloyd's planning department, takes an optimistic view.
emerging stock markets
Authors: Galletly Guy
Published: May 2006

Are stock markets important in underdeveloped countries? Guy Galletly, an economics master at Eton, argues that stock exchanges in Less Developed Countries have a key role in promoting economic growth.
gatt and services
Authors: Arkell Julian
Published: May 2006

The GATT negotiations are of vital importance; less well‐known are the attempts to liberalise world trade in services. Julian Arkell, a consultant to British Invisibles, explains why they matter.
LIFFE: a great british success story
Authors: Roche Julian
Published: May 2006

Julian Roche, an independent futures market consultant, celebrates the success of the London International Financial Futures Exchange ‐ London's newest market place which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
the cost of going republican
Authors: Hawkins Quentin
Published: May 2006

Would abolishing the monarchy really save the taxpayer money? Quentin Hawkins believes that a republic would be expensive; critics of the cost of monarchy overlook the high cost of presidential elections!.
why a single currency cannot emerge from the ERM
Authors: Steele Gerald
Published: May 2006

G.R. Steele, of Lancaster University, argues that the ERM cannot be a stepping stone to monetary union; the ERM is an intrinsically unstable system which can cause unwarranted deflationary pressures.
doleful acts
Authors: Fisher Mike
Published: May 2006

Mike Fisher, an Institute of Economic Affairs’ trustee and director of Whale Tankers, explains how employment legislation is a cause of unemployment.
rediscovering the parliament act
Authors: Miller Robert
Published: May 2006

What passes for constitutional, Robert Miller, editor of Economic Affairs, argues against such ‘constructivist rationalism’ and for piecemeal reforms. He urges would‐be reformers to look again at the Parliament Act 1911 and to follow the wise advice of Hayek and Popper.
a lesson from all our yesterdays
Authors: Matthews Kent
Published: May 2006

The rise of unemployment to close to three million recalls memories of the dole queues of the 1930s. Kent Matthews, of the Cardiff Business School, explores the analogies between the unemployment of the 1930s and the 1990s.
global unemployment
Authors: Vedder Richard , Gallaway Lowell
Published: May 2006

What are the lessons of American unemployment in the Great Depression? Richard Vedder and Lowell Gallaway, of Ohio University, argue that the cause of American pre‐war unemployment was government inspired increases in real wages.
towards relevant economic doctrines
Authors: Sherman Alfred
Published: May 2006

In the second of two articles, Sir Alfred Sherman, advisor to Conservative leaders in the 1970s and 1980s and a founder of the Centre for Policy Studies, continues his review of post‐war economic policy and calls for a new tableau economique that would identify the contradictions in economic policy.
do we really need a coal industry?
Authors: Davies Christie
Published: May 2006

Much of the debate about the closure of coal mines has centred on the tact of the announcement. But does Britain need a coal industry at all? Christie Davies, of Reading University, argues that we would be better off without it.
the coming boom
Authors: Lewis Russell
Published: May 2006

Russell Lewis, features editor of Economic Affairs, confounds the doom merchants with an explanation of why the world economy can expect a long‐run boom.
private patronage in architecture
Authors: Waters Brian
Published: May 2006

State and municipal patronage in architecture has been a disaster. Brian Waters, a leading architect with a substantial practice, analyses how private patronage can commission buildings of real quality. Forward the speculative developer!
islam and hayek
Authors: Ahmad Imad
Published: May 2006

Can the Muslim world be integrated into the world economy? Dr Imad Ahmad, president of Imad‐ad‐Dean Inc. of Bethesda, Maryland, argues that the market economy is fully compatible with Islamic belief. Muslims believe in the rule of law.
EDUCATION: the ‘opting out’ revolution
Authors: West Edwin
Published: May 2006

How much difference will ‘opting out’ make to public education? Professor Edwin West, of the University of Carleton of Ottawa, Canada, concludes that it merely exchanges central government control for that of local authorities'. Why, he asks, could not the Assisted Places Scheme be extended to all children?
do we need an arts policy?
Authors: Le Cocq Jonathan
Published: May 2006

With the help of a donation from the Leonard Harris Fund, a prize of £1,000 was offered for the best essay on the subject ‘Do we need an arts policy?’ by an author under the age of 36. The John B. Wood Memorial Essay Competition was established as a memorial to the former deputy director of the Institute of Economic Affairs. Jonathan Le Cocq, of Lincoln College, Oxford, was the outright winner and an edited version of his article is reproduced below. Glen Whitman and Barry Macleod‐Cullinane were the runners‐up.
all change at the CUBS
Authors: Kaye David
Published: May 2006

What happens to one of Britain's leading business schools, the City University Business School, will be important elsewhere. The dean, David Kaye, explains his new strategy and the thinking behind it.
passive drinking
Authors: Wilson Andrew
Published: May 2006

The threat to health from passive smoking is now well understood. Andrew Wilson, a freelance healthcare journalist, reveals the alarming results of recent research into ‘passive drinking’. Without wishing to cause alarm Economic Affairs wonders how seriously we should treat these new findings?
BRITAIN: Coal might still be saved
Authors: Robinson Colin
Published: May 2006

Could privatisation save the coal industry? Professor Colin Robinson, editorial director of the Institute of Economic Affairs, argues that privatisation and deregulation might save much of the remaining coal industry.
BRITAIN: Privatisation of the railways
Authors: Hibbs John
Published: May 2006

Will the Government's proposals for railway privatization be successful? Professor John Hibbs argues the case for the restoration of competition in the railway industry but finds the Government's plans half‐hearted.
priva used in the USA
Authors: Poole Robert W.
Published: May 2006

What are the prospects for privatisation in the United States? Robert W. Poole Jr, of the Reason Foundation, argues that the most important opportunities are with the states rather than the federal government.
privatisation in eastern europe
Authors: Veijanovski Cento
Published: May 2006

What are the prospects for privatisation in Eastern Europe? Cento Veljanovski, director of Lexecon Ltd, outlines the difficulties in the way of privatisation. East European countries want capitalism without capital and capitalists.
NEW ZEALAND: the experiment unfolds
Authors: Christainsen Gregory
Published: May 2006

New Zealand has been revolutionised by market reforms. Professor Gregory Christainsen, of the California State University, Hayward, describes how New Zealand has abandoned state intervention and is on the way to becoming a model market economy.
BILL CLINTON'S BUDGET: taxes, spending, gimmicks and snake oil
Authors: Mitchell Daniel J.
Published: May 2006

Will President Clinton's budget help to maintain the recovery of the American economy? Daniel Mitchell, of the Heritage Foundation, argues that it is a recipe for bigger government, more debt and slower growth.
Why the law on insider trading should not be tightened
Authors: Evershed Patrick
Published: May 2006

Patrick Evershed, who manages the Brown Shipley Smaller Companies Fund, attacks the proposed tightening of the law on insider trading in the Criminal Justice Bill, The changes proposed would penalise honest fund managers.
A Critique of International Micawberism
Authors: Congdon Tim
Published: May 2006

Britain does not have a ‘deficit problem’ and can sustain adove‐trend economis growth with low inflation for same year to come.
Do the UK's Low Savings and Investment Rates Matter?
Authors: Sentance Andrew
Published: May 2006

Low savings and investment rates are a ‘cause for concern’. An independent Bank of England would help ensure continuing low rates of inflation
Clintonomics: The Great Leap Backwards
Authors: Mitchell Daniel
Published: May 2006

Clintonomics cannot and will not work. The US economy is likely to continue to stagnate just as it did under George Bush.
Europe—Past Imperfect
Authors: Walters Alan
Published: May 2006

Pegged exchange rates imply instability in domestic economices ‐ a reconstifuted ERM is likely to re‐emerage but with special provisino to deal with ‘crises’
The Future of European Monetary Arrangements
Authors: Britton Andrew
Published: May 2006

European Monetary Union is stilla a viable target, but disarray after Maastricht means it will be more difficult to achieve.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DEBT‐DEFLATION IN THE UK
Authors: Pepper Gordon
Published: May 2006

Gordon Pepper explains why debt‐deflation and its effects are again under discussion in Britain.
Road Pricing I
Authors: Poole Robert W.
Published: May 2006

Readers of Economic Affairs, the Journal of the IEA, are invited to contribute to this section notes on previous articles, other IEA publications, and emerging ideas in economics. All such contributions must be typed double‐spaced, not exceed 750 words, and be addressed to Kenneth Smith, Letters & Comments Editor, Economic Affairs, 2 Lord North Street, London SW1P 3LB.
Rail Privatisation: A Platform for Success
Authors: Asteris Michael
Published: May 2006

The Government's blueprint for rail privatisation offers scope for more competition and experimentation, and a progressive movement towards a freeing of the system, thereby minimising the likely disruption. It constitutes the art of the possible.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
Authors: Beesley M. E.
Published: May 2006

The October 1993 Green paper's four regulatory options are analysed: Professor Beesley concludes that they lack clarity and puts forward his own proposals to simplify and unify the system in London and the rest of the country.
Electronic Road Pricing for Public Transport
Authors: Bayliss David
Published: May 2006

It is increasingly recognised that some form of rationing of congested road space is urgently required. Electronic road pricing would lead to a more rational use of private and public transport, and would influence the development of our towns and cities in the future.
Transport and Environmental Policy
Authors: Button Kenneth
Published: May 2006

Economic analysis is useful in pointing to policies to reduce the environmental degradation caused by transport, but other initiatives are sometimes required to combat and overcome some of the problems.
Trade in Endangered Species: Is it an Option?
Authors: Sas‐Rolfes Michael ‘t
Published: May 2006

Can we endagered wild life species like the black rhino simply by privatising them? Institutional change that gives incentives to conserve rather than exploit is urgently required.
Water Pollution Prevention: A Nuisance Approach
Authors: Bate Roger
Published: May 2006

The external cost of water poilution can be overcome by the common law riprian rights of landowners. Anglers thus help to ensure fresh water conservation. A free‐market approach would benefit the environment.
Interpreting the Global Temperature Record
Authors: Balling Robert C.
Published: May 2006

Close examination of the global temperature record, together with other factors, does not support the global warming models’ predictions – the thermal response to a doubling of CO2 is likely to be ‘remarkably small’.
The Market, Liberty and the Regulatory State
Authors: Barry Norman
Published: May 2006

A successful market economy offers the greatest extent of liberty consistent with reasonable security. But in recen times, the legal system has been used to ‘improve’ on competition and to impose impossibly high safety standards. This will lead to long‐term damage to liberty and prosperity.
Public Choice Issues in Social Regulation
Authors: Ricketts Martin
Published: May 2006

The regulatory activity of government is now pervasive, acting like a tax and pushing up costs. Public choice analysis shows that producer and other groups try to capture regulatory control to minimise its impact. Deregulatory trends in the US have been accompanied by the growth of environmental and health and safety regulation both in the US and in the UK and Europe.
The Regulatory Crisis of the 1990s—The Problem…
Authors: Booker Christopher
Published: May 2006

Immense damage to the economy and the destruction of thousands of businesses are caused by over‐regulation. An ‘avalanche of regulations’ has led to the creation of a ‘bureaucratic monster’ which is almost out of control. It can be stopped ‐ but only by changing people's psychology.
The Regulatory Crisis of the 1990s: Some Solutions
Authors: North Richard
Published: May 2006

Much of the regulatory crisis arises from over‐zealous enforcement. Most methods of countering it are unsatisfactory and expensive. Self‐inspection, as under the ‘Hoists and Lifts’ model, would be much cheaper and more effective.
The Government's Deregulation Initiative
Authors: Hamilton Neil
Published: May 2006

The Government is undertaking a range of measures to tackle the burden of excessive red tape on business, This is a continuing programme requiring inputs from both government and business.
Beyond Regulation: An Analysis of Regulation and the Alternatives
Authors: Smedley Iain
Published: May 2006

The costs of business regulation in the UK are substantial. Compliance costs can be estimated at over 6% of GDP. Successive ‘deregulation’ initiatives have hardly reduced the burden. Alternative techniques should be explored.
Unemployment Insurance
Authors: Beenstock Michael
Published: May 2006

The introduction of social insurance in Britain stemmed ultimately from Beveridge's and others' desire to abolish poverty. Beveridge failed to understand that social insurance is incompatible with private insurance markets, and especially unemployment insurance.
The Politics of Welfare
Authors: Ashford Nigel
Published: May 2006

People must be given the maximum opportunities to opt out of state provision‐both consumers and providers. Rational criticism of state welfare, including the historical evidence, should be encouraged. And the family, charities, churches and voluntary associations should be seen as the mostappropriate moral outlet for compassion.
‘Steady As We Grow?’
Authors: Bootle Roger
Published: May 2006

With the three sources of economic crisis in Britain‐inflation, the balance of payments and public finances‐under control, the prospect is for continued recovery and good growth, with little inflotion, for some year to come.
The ‘Boom‐Bust’ Cycle—on Hold for Now
Authors: Sentance Andrew
Published: May 2006

Growth will slow down next year, but investment and export will help sustain it. The risk of a return to the ‘boom‐bust’ cycle may not be great now, but is in prospect towards the end of 1990s.
A Time to Act or to Bide Your Time?
Authors: Wood Geoffrey E.
Published: May 2006

A non‐inflationary menetary rule and a steady fiscal policy commitment should be adopted forthwith. This would give the Chancellor and the Treasury time to simplify and reform out over‐complex and distortionary tax system.
Prospects for the UK Economy
Authors: MacKinnon Neil
Published: May 2006

The prospects for the UK economy are the brightest for some time. Growth is above trend, inflation is low, and balance‐of‐payments pressures are benign.
Economic Prospects and Policy in Germany
Authors: Issing Otmar
Published: May 2006

Important economic policy signals have been set in the re‐united Germany during the past few years. To achieve the ulfimate goal all those responsible for policy should adhere to the course adopted for lasting success.
Market‐Oriented Macro‐Economic Policy
Authors: Jordan Jerry L.
Published: May 2006

Command‐directed economies are discredited, but governments of countries moving towards markets should eschew pro‐active macro‐economic policies. Deregulation, privatisation and fax reform will help restore and enhance the wealth‐creating capability of markets.
Emerging Markets, Unemployment and Inflation
Authors: Minford Patrick
Published: May 2006

World inflation is being held down by emerging market competition interacting with continuing OECD monetary policy. Here at home, fast productivity growth makes the UK something of an emerging market within Europe.
A New Framework for International Economic Relations
Authors: Sutherland Peter D.
Published: May 2006

The Third Annual Hayek Memorial Lecture delivered in London on 16 June 1994 and revised to bring it up to date.
Regulation of Retail Investment Services
Authors: Llewellyn David T.
Published: May 2006

How much regulation do the consumers of non‐bank retail investment services want? The arrival of the Personal Investment Authority raises questions about the necessity, costs, structure and accouni‐ability of regulation, as well as its potential moral hazards.