This book, first published in 1983, offers a new explanation for the poor performance of British manufacturing since 1950. Rather than invoke orthodox economic theory or general social factors, the book analyses four national conditions - enterprise control over the labour process; market structure and the composition of demand; the relation of manufacturing enterprise to financial institutions like banks and stock exchanges; and the relation of manufacturing enterprise to government.

Karel Williams, John Williams, Dennis Thomas

Introduction: Why are the British Bad at Manufacturing? Case Studies 1. GEC - An Outstanding Success? 2. Shipbuilding - Demand Linkage and Industrial Decline 3. BMC/BLMC/BL - A Misunderstood Failure