This book is a detailed archive-based study that examines the economic planning of the Attlee governments in Britain in the period 1945-1951. In it the author discusses the workings of economic planning and its effects on business decision making. The book traces the origins of the nationalization program and asks how the decisions to form these industries into monopolies were taken. Finally, Martin Chick asks what impact, if any, economic planning had on the productivity performance of the UK economy. "This is a thoughtful book on economic planning under the Labour governments in Britain between 1945 and 1951. This is a scholarly work and will be essential reading for anyone interested in the Attlee governments." Stephen Broadberry, American Historical Review An archive-based study of the economic planning of the Attlee governments in the period 1945–51.