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The Struggle for Survival

In: Always under Pressure

Author

Listed:
  • Malcolm Falkus

    (University of New England)

Abstract

Knowing of the great expansion achieved by the gas industry during the 1960s and 1970s, it is hard to comprehend just how real appeared the threat to the continued existence of the industry during the first decade of nationalisation. Yet the threat was real enough. Milne-Watson recalled later how it seemed at one stage as though ‘we were threatened by a competition so severe that it would eventually kill this great industry’; and R. S. Johnson also recalled that around the middle of the 1950s ‘it seemed that our industry was doomed’. The problem for gas was one of price. Costs rose, especially coal costs. In consequence, gas became increasingly uncompetitive and it was difficult for the industry to maintain its traditional load let alone enter new markets. As a result, the total sales for North Thames stagnated throughout the 1950s and domestic demand actually fell. Far from the optimistic sales forecasts of the early 1950s there was now a desperate struggle to maintain existing levels as costs rose inexorably.

Suggested Citation

  • Malcolm Falkus, 1988. "The Struggle for Survival," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Always under Pressure, chapter 3, pages 46-60, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-349-10316-4_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-1-349-10316-4_3
    as

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