David Thompson

Regulatory reform and productivity growth in the UK's public utilities

The reforms in the regulation of the UKnationalised industries over the last decade are examined and the extent to which they have been successful in achieving one of their declared aims – that of increasing the efficiency of the enterprises operations – is considered. To achieve this the productivity performance of nine of the largest enterprises over the last twenty years was analysed. The results show that the rate of productivity growth has been significantly higher during the 1980s, compared with the preceeding decade. It is concluded that a large part of the observed upturn in productivity is a result of changes in efficiency.

De-regulating European aviation: The impact of bilateral liberalisation

Abstract This article investigates the consequences of bilateral liberalisation in European aviation. The analysis compares changes in market structure and performance on routes which have been liberalised with those which have not. The findings show that where liberalisation has been followed by significant entry there has been a reduction in relative prices — particularly those paid by leisure travellers — and a relative increase in service frequencies; patterns of entry are associated with demand characteristics on different routes. The results provide evidence on the likely implications of further liberalisation in European aviation.