really? are you reading the right data. from the link YOU provided?

UK France

1970 5th 7th

1980 7th 5th

1990 6th 7th

2000 5th 7th

2010 9th 8th

because, what that looks like to me, y'know, your figures, is that the hit the fan in the 70's, the tories to improve our lot only for labour to balls it up. so, when people spout on about how thatcher destroyed our manufacturing industry, are they just misinformed or just outright liars.

I apologise, I did check to see what had happened after the funeral, but didn't see anything that said she had been cremated.

Quote Big Graeme="Big Graeme"Take your pick, there is an FT report in there somewhere, I do hope they are not too left wing for you to consider it relevant. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=east+ ... 80&bih=835'" Thanks BG, only just seen Elpers' quibble. Also, since going back into State ownership, the target of refranchising at some point has meant little or no investment in East Coast, and, as franchisees tend to invest in the early days of their franchise and not towards the end because they don't know if their franchise will be renewed, the last investment was way before going back into state ownership.

Quote Big Graeme="Big Graeme"Take your pick, there is an FT report in there somewhere, I do hope they are not too left wing for you to consider it relevant. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=east+ ... 80&bih=835'" Thanks BG, only just seen Elpers' quibble. Also, since going back into State ownership, the target of refranchising at some point has meant little or no investment in East Coast, and, as franchisees tend to invest in the early days of their franchise and not towards the end because they don't know if their franchise will be renewed, the last investment was way before going back into state ownership.

Anyone bought Mrs Thatcher's new biography yet?

Can't see any need, given the amount of airtime afforded to Charles Moore recently

Met Titan in London yesterday. He was straight into Foyles to purchase it with pride.