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farming strategies in upland Cumbria
Applied
Geography
(1983), 3, 85-88
85
Book reviews
Plant, R. Industries in trouble. Geneva: ILO, 1981 178 pp. f7.50 hardback; E5.00 paperback.
The declared aim of this book, written under the auspices of the International Labour Office (ILO), Geneva and in cooperation with the IL0 World and Workers’ Education ProEmployment grammes, is to give an account of the causes of structural industrial change and its effect on employment. In view of this pedigree it is perhaps not surprising that the emphasis is almost entirely on the employment aspects of the problem with little concern for organizational change. An introductory section deals with the basic economics behind employment creation and the economic background to unemployment, clearly and concisely without recourse to economic jargon. It is useful to have a balanced discussion of the new situation of the 1970s and 1980s in which trade unions have largely maintained wage levels in spite of rising unemployment and a contrast is drawn between current monetary measures and those traditionally used to fight inflation. However, regional variations in unemployment merit only a brief consideration. Not being considered by the author to be of demographic origin, ‘the underlying cause will generally be found to be other factors which happen to be present in a particular region’. In the ensuing consideration of causal factors other than the demographic, regional variations are occasionally implied but not discussed. The central third of the book, and from the title the section that one might reasonably expect to be the most substantial, is disappointing. Six international case studies ofproblem industries-textiles, clothing. leather and footwear, iron and steel, shipbuilding and repair, and electronics-are taken to illustrate the central theme. The inclusion of electronics will probably cause some surprise; it is included, on the presently very tenuous hypothesis that developments in communications and office practice are likely to create major employment problems. Major concern is with an outline of technical and employment change, especially in the last two decades at the national and international level. The structural rationalization of the industries in question is largely ignored and there is no analysis at the subnational level. Consequently the reader looking for any in-depth regional analysis must look elsewhere. Regrettably the limited references employed are no guide to further study. On the
evidence of this volume one must wonder if much of the recent work undertaken on major industries by economists and geographers reaches the libraries of the international organizations. There is a heavy reliance here on IL0 reports. The final third of the book, ‘The way ahead’, considers the implications of the assumed breakdown of locational comparative advantage. This may be true for traditional factors, but little recognition is given to the growth of more subtle features of the modern economy that may operate in a similar way. There is a useful survey of the research undertaken in an attempt to differentiate the causes of job losses in problem industries as between foreign competition, technological change and other factors. On the evidence produced, higher productivity appears as the chief reason and the author argues strongly against import controls and trade barriers. A series of largely international strategies is proposed on the premise that there are no national economies any more. At least perceptually this may appear as being a somewhat over-optimistic presumption. The concluding review of the adjustment policies of five countries-Netherlands, USA, Canada, UK, Japan-is a useful description but contains little appraisal of the success of such policies and lacks any consideration of the critical regional problems associated with industrial change. In a book of this nature the lack of an index is not a major handicap, but the limited references and failure to give any guidance for further reading are regrettable. For those coming new to this topic and with little background in economics, for whom the book is chiefly intended, this is a useful introduction but there is little new for those already working in this field. C. Read Department qf Geography, Loughborough Unicersity q/‘Technolog) Smith, R. S. and Budd, R. E. Land use in upland Cumbria: a model for forestry/farming strategies in the Sedbergh area. Stirling: Technological Economics Research Unit, University of Stirling, Research Monograph in Technological Economics No. 4, 1982. 76 pp. f6.00 paperback. Smith, R. S. and Budd, R. E. Input coefficients jbr the land use model:firestry/farming strategies in upland Cumbria. Stirling: Technological Economics Research Unit, University of Stirling, Discussion Paper No. 29, 1981. 26 pp. f4.00 paperback.
86
Book reviews
This report and its accompanying appendix describe a modelling investigation of the land-use potential of upland areas in Cumbria for forestry and agriculture. The model examines the use of different land classes in the Sedbergh area for certain agricultural activities and forestry. The land classes are generated by applying multivariate statistical methods, particularly cluster analysis, to a number of variables and attributes measured from Ordnance Survey maps. Field survey is then employed to characterize the physical features of each land class; these results are used to evaluate the land-use capability and production potential of the different classes. The model is subsequently used to explore the various land-use options. It is routine linear programming formulation, based on the production potential of the land and various planning restrictions. The methodology employed draws heavily on the work of various members of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology’s Merlewood Research Station. The method for generating and characterizing the land classes is that advocated by Bunce and his colleagues for ecological survey (e.g. Bunce et al. 1975); the land-use model is based on a linear programme formulated by Bishop (1978). The report is very much an uncritical application of these methods to a particular problem. The methods employed, whilst being of obvious merit, are rarely subjected to any analysis or assessment, let alone critical comparison with other approaches to land classification and other land-use models. For these reasons alone, the publication falls some way short of being a good research monograph. None the less, it contains much of specific interest to those with planning responsibilities for the Sedbergh area, and will be of general interest to many planners and geographers as a case study in land-use planning. Bishop, I. D. (1978) Land use in rural Cumbria-a linear programming model. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Merlewood Research & Development Paper No. 75. Bunce, R. C. H., More& S. K. and Stel, H. E. (1975) The application of multivariate analysis to regional survey. Journal of Encironmental Management 3, 151 -165. J. France The Grassland Research Institute, Hurley
Whitelegg, J. (ed.) The spirit and purpose qfrransport geography. Lancaster: University of Lancaster, for Transport Geography Study Group of the Institute of British Geographers, 1981. 160 pp. The Transport Geography Study Group (TGSG) of the Institute of British Geographers was formed in 1972, and since that time there has been a series of conferences on different themes, such as ‘Passenger
Movement in Conurbations’, ‘Current Rural Transport Problems’, and so on. Various publications have resulted from these conferences, and this volume brings together seven papers presented at the Annual Conference of the Institute of British Geographers in Leicester in January 1981. Transport studies are an important interdisciplinary research area, but, unfortunately, geographers have not identified explicitly areas in which they can make positive contributions. Moreover, there is an impression that transport geography has reached an impasse, and is becoming detached increasingly from mainstream developments in transport studies. (Indeed, it is surprising that the TGSG has not developed links with related organizations, such as the Universities Transport Study Group and sister organizations in other countries.) However, on receiving a volume entitled The spirit and purpose oj transport geography, I was hoping that some of my doubts about the lack of integration would be resolved and that research priorities would be outlined to indicate the large potential for transport geographers in both theoretical and practical analyses. Disappointingly, this challenge was not addressed. The only general indication beyond a healthy diversity of interests was the recent shift away from an economic perspective to incorporate broader social and political issues. As no organizational structure of the book IS apparent, it is appropriate to consider the papers in order. Williams’ paper, ‘Aims and achievements of transport geography’, is important in that it raises a number of issues for further research, although it seems restricted by a desire to give a potted history of the activities of the TGSG. The other useful contributions are by Halsall and Whitelegg who both demonstrate that a historical background is necessary for a sound comprehension of network development and capita1 accumulation. In between these two papers, Benwell’s description of the wider transport research in France should provide a pertinent, comparative foundation to assess alternative future directions, but insufficient depth of critical evaluation is forthcoming. In very unsatisfactory papers by Smith and Gant and by McKinnon, two important current issues, ‘Transport provision and rural change’ and ‘Transport geography and physical distribution’, respectively, are examined. In the former, in a case study from the Cotswolds, no real attempt is made to consider the policy ramifications of the muchstudied problem of increased car ownership leading to a reduction of public transport, and, in so doing, further disadvantaging certain groups of people such as the elderly and poor. McKmnon’s discussion of freight flows and distribution includes an unnecessarily long discussion of well-known models and their criticisms, without saying anything original; the idea of incorporating organizational structures into the analysis is an appropriate direction to follow, but the author fails to provide a sound basis
Geography
(1983), 3, 85-88
85
Book reviews
Plant, R. Industries in trouble. Geneva: ILO, 1981 178 pp. f7.50 hardback; E5.00 paperback.
The declared aim of this book, written under the auspices of the International Labour Office (ILO), Geneva and in cooperation with the IL0 World and Workers’ Education ProEmployment grammes, is to give an account of the causes of structural industrial change and its effect on employment. In view of this pedigree it is perhaps not surprising that the emphasis is almost entirely on the employment aspects of the problem with little concern for organizational change. An introductory section deals with the basic economics behind employment creation and the economic background to unemployment, clearly and concisely without recourse to economic jargon. It is useful to have a balanced discussion of the new situation of the 1970s and 1980s in which trade unions have largely maintained wage levels in spite of rising unemployment and a contrast is drawn between current monetary measures and those traditionally used to fight inflation. However, regional variations in unemployment merit only a brief consideration. Not being considered by the author to be of demographic origin, ‘the underlying cause will generally be found to be other factors which happen to be present in a particular region’. In the ensuing consideration of causal factors other than the demographic, regional variations are occasionally implied but not discussed. The central third of the book, and from the title the section that one might reasonably expect to be the most substantial, is disappointing. Six international case studies ofproblem industries-textiles, clothing. leather and footwear, iron and steel, shipbuilding and repair, and electronics-are taken to illustrate the central theme. The inclusion of electronics will probably cause some surprise; it is included, on the presently very tenuous hypothesis that developments in communications and office practice are likely to create major employment problems. Major concern is with an outline of technical and employment change, especially in the last two decades at the national and international level. The structural rationalization of the industries in question is largely ignored and there is no analysis at the subnational level. Consequently the reader looking for any in-depth regional analysis must look elsewhere. Regrettably the limited references employed are no guide to further study. On the
evidence of this volume one must wonder if much of the recent work undertaken on major industries by economists and geographers reaches the libraries of the international organizations. There is a heavy reliance here on IL0 reports. The final third of the book, ‘The way ahead’, considers the implications of the assumed breakdown of locational comparative advantage. This may be true for traditional factors, but little recognition is given to the growth of more subtle features of the modern economy that may operate in a similar way. There is a useful survey of the research undertaken in an attempt to differentiate the causes of job losses in problem industries as between foreign competition, technological change and other factors. On the evidence produced, higher productivity appears as the chief reason and the author argues strongly against import controls and trade barriers. A series of largely international strategies is proposed on the premise that there are no national economies any more. At least perceptually this may appear as being a somewhat over-optimistic presumption. The concluding review of the adjustment policies of five countries-Netherlands, USA, Canada, UK, Japan-is a useful description but contains little appraisal of the success of such policies and lacks any consideration of the critical regional problems associated with industrial change. In a book of this nature the lack of an index is not a major handicap, but the limited references and failure to give any guidance for further reading are regrettable. For those coming new to this topic and with little background in economics, for whom the book is chiefly intended, this is a useful introduction but there is little new for those already working in this field. C. Read Department qf Geography, Loughborough Unicersity q/‘Technolog) Smith, R. S. and Budd, R. E. Land use in upland Cumbria: a model for forestry/farming strategies in the Sedbergh area. Stirling: Technological Economics Research Unit, University of Stirling, Research Monograph in Technological Economics No. 4, 1982. 76 pp. f6.00 paperback. Smith, R. S. and Budd, R. E. Input coefficients jbr the land use model:firestry/farming strategies in upland Cumbria. Stirling: Technological Economics Research Unit, University of Stirling, Discussion Paper No. 29, 1981. 26 pp. f4.00 paperback.
86
Book reviews
This report and its accompanying appendix describe a modelling investigation of the land-use potential of upland areas in Cumbria for forestry and agriculture. The model examines the use of different land classes in the Sedbergh area for certain agricultural activities and forestry. The land classes are generated by applying multivariate statistical methods, particularly cluster analysis, to a number of variables and attributes measured from Ordnance Survey maps. Field survey is then employed to characterize the physical features of each land class; these results are used to evaluate the land-use capability and production potential of the different classes. The model is subsequently used to explore the various land-use options. It is routine linear programming formulation, based on the production potential of the land and various planning restrictions. The methodology employed draws heavily on the work of various members of the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology’s Merlewood Research Station. The method for generating and characterizing the land classes is that advocated by Bunce and his colleagues for ecological survey (e.g. Bunce et al. 1975); the land-use model is based on a linear programme formulated by Bishop (1978). The report is very much an uncritical application of these methods to a particular problem. The methods employed, whilst being of obvious merit, are rarely subjected to any analysis or assessment, let alone critical comparison with other approaches to land classification and other land-use models. For these reasons alone, the publication falls some way short of being a good research monograph. None the less, it contains much of specific interest to those with planning responsibilities for the Sedbergh area, and will be of general interest to many planners and geographers as a case study in land-use planning. Bishop, I. D. (1978) Land use in rural Cumbria-a linear programming model. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Merlewood Research & Development Paper No. 75. Bunce, R. C. H., More& S. K. and Stel, H. E. (1975) The application of multivariate analysis to regional survey. Journal of Encironmental Management 3, 151 -165. J. France The Grassland Research Institute, Hurley
Whitelegg, J. (ed.) The spirit and purpose qfrransport geography. Lancaster: University of Lancaster, for Transport Geography Study Group of the Institute of British Geographers, 1981. 160 pp. The Transport Geography Study Group (TGSG) of the Institute of British Geographers was formed in 1972, and since that time there has been a series of conferences on different themes, such as ‘Passenger
Movement in Conurbations’, ‘Current Rural Transport Problems’, and so on. Various publications have resulted from these conferences, and this volume brings together seven papers presented at the Annual Conference of the Institute of British Geographers in Leicester in January 1981. Transport studies are an important interdisciplinary research area, but, unfortunately, geographers have not identified explicitly areas in which they can make positive contributions. Moreover, there is an impression that transport geography has reached an impasse, and is becoming detached increasingly from mainstream developments in transport studies. (Indeed, it is surprising that the TGSG has not developed links with related organizations, such as the Universities Transport Study Group and sister organizations in other countries.) However, on receiving a volume entitled The spirit and purpose oj transport geography, I was hoping that some of my doubts about the lack of integration would be resolved and that research priorities would be outlined to indicate the large potential for transport geographers in both theoretical and practical analyses. Disappointingly, this challenge was not addressed. The only general indication beyond a healthy diversity of interests was the recent shift away from an economic perspective to incorporate broader social and political issues. As no organizational structure of the book IS apparent, it is appropriate to consider the papers in order. Williams’ paper, ‘Aims and achievements of transport geography’, is important in that it raises a number of issues for further research, although it seems restricted by a desire to give a potted history of the activities of the TGSG. The other useful contributions are by Halsall and Whitelegg who both demonstrate that a historical background is necessary for a sound comprehension of network development and capita1 accumulation. In between these two papers, Benwell’s description of the wider transport research in France should provide a pertinent, comparative foundation to assess alternative future directions, but insufficient depth of critical evaluation is forthcoming. In very unsatisfactory papers by Smith and Gant and by McKinnon, two important current issues, ‘Transport provision and rural change’ and ‘Transport geography and physical distribution’, respectively, are examined. In the former, in a case study from the Cotswolds, no real attempt is made to consider the policy ramifications of the muchstudied problem of increased car ownership leading to a reduction of public transport, and, in so doing, further disadvantaging certain groups of people such as the elderly and poor. McKmnon’s discussion of freight flows and distribution includes an unnecessarily long discussion of well-known models and their criticisms, without saying anything original; the idea of incorporating organizational structures into the analysis is an appropriate direction to follow, but the author fails to provide a sound basis