INTRODUCTION

Ever since the impact of the first Industrial Revolution on the economic and political relationships of the world became apparent, the conscious promotion of national economic development has been seen as one of the prime responsibilities of government and a major aspect of the role of the state in society. From the point of view of the 'state' itself, and of the interests which maintain a particular structure of political power and organisation, economic development provides the means of establishing military strength and national independence and, more widely, it enables the demands of the population for higher standards of consumption and welfare to be met.