British Rail 1974-1997

From Integration to Privatisation

Terry Gourvish (, Director, Business History Unit, London School of Economics)

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English

Oxford University Press
01 April 2002

History; Central government; Economic history; Business strategy; Privatisation; Railway transport industries; Trains & railways: general interest

Britain's privatised railways continure to provoke debate about the organisation, financing, and development of the railway system. This important book, written by Britain's leading railway historian, provides an authoritative account of the progress made by British Rail prior to privatisation, and a unique insight into its difficult role in the government's privatisation planning from 1989. Based on free access to the British Railway Board's rich archives, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of the main themes: a process of continuous organisational change; the existence of a persistent government audit; perennial investment restraints; the directive to reduce operating costs and improve productivity; a concern with financial performance, technological change, service quality, and the management of industrial relations; and the Board's ambiguous position as the Conservative government pressed home its privatisation programme. The introduction of sector management from 1982 and the 'Organising for Quality' initiative of the early 1990s, the Serpell Report on railway finances of 1983, the sale of the subsidiary businesses, the large-scale investment in the Channel Tunnel, and the obsession with safety which followed the Clapham accident of 1988, are all examined in depth. In the conclusion, the author reviews the successes and failures of the public sector, rehearses the arguments for and against integration in the railway industry, and contrasts what many have termed 'the golden age' of the mid-late 1980s, when the British Rail-government relationship was arguably at its most effective, with what has happened since 1994.

By: Terry Gourvish ( Director Business History Unit London School of Economics)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 236mm, Width: 157mm, Spine: 41mm
Weight: 1.144kg
ISBN: 9780199250059
ISBN 10: 0199250057
Pages: 736
Publication Date: 01 April 2002
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for British Rail 1974-1997: From Integration to Privatisation

`The Channel Tunnel is only one of many fascinating topics discussed in the book. Other key topics include the burying of the highly critical Serpell Report, the demise of the Advanced Passenger Train, the response to the Clapham accident of 1988, the branding and marketing of the InterCity network and Network South East, the development of provincial commuter lines, and the sale of ancilliary businesses, such as railway workshops.' Business History