For sale on the Fourth of July
Article Abstract:
The US model of deregulation, in which free competition allows prices to be adjusted to consumer demand, is now attracting considerable attention in the UK and continental Europe. However, it must be realized that there are some aspects of deregulation which are not particularly positive. Pricing according to demand can mean that consumers are unable to obtain the information which they require in order to make a free choice. At hotels and car hire companies, for example, prices can change from hour to hour, and telephone companies operate a vast range of extremely confusing tariffs.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
France builds hope for future on the bloody lessons of its war-scarred past
Article Abstract:
The First World War battle of Verdun, which took place over 10 months and led to the death of around 400,000 French troops, is a strong symbol for most people in France of why good relations with Germany and the existence of the European Union are so important. The town of Verdun itself now has a Un and Europe-sponsored world centre for peace, where the grim conditions endured by those who fought in the battle are reconstructed. The 80th anniversary of the battle will be used as an opportunity by leading French politicians to give messages about reconciliation.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A nation out of tune with the rest of the world
Article Abstract:
France has traditionally seen itself as a country of calm and culture which is above reproach. However, recent events, particular violent anti-French riots in Tahiti, have damaged this image. The country's sense of national superiority seems to be under attack, and France has attracted criticism from many countries across the world. It is now time for France to realise that it must come to terms with hostile opinion if it is to play a truly international role.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Human rights: worth a battle? The case for the defence of Third World aid. Prosecutor of a new Nuremberg
- Abstracts: Doctors who pay the piper call the tune. Blair's NHS will adopt the best of the old and the new
- Abstracts: Traffic warden on the information highway. Jumpy computer executives weigh up the options. An unfortunate business
- Abstracts: What you can buy for a trillion dollars. Farewell, couch potato. EMU and the tramp of jackboots
- Abstracts: Shopaholic suffering: Christmas brings crisis for the women addicted to buying happiness. 'Is it too much to ask that children with haemophilia get the best and safest treatment?' (National Health Service unwilling to pay to treat child haemophiliacs with safer clotting agent)