ABSTRACT
In studying the bearing of Southampton’s industrial structure on the standard of life, we have to press beyond the more obvious facts relating to the different classes of skill which these industries require, and ask further what proportions of its population depend on the fluctuations of the international, national, and regional markets, and why this particular distribution of effort between these markets took place. The geographical advantages, such as favourable tides and proximity to London, need no discussion, for the real interest lies not in the simple facts which indicate that there will be a substantial traffic in passenger and certain classes of perishable goods, but in the more detailed differences which determine whether Southampton, London, or Bristol shall be victorious in the struggle for the marginal ten per cent of traffic.1 It is precisely at this point that detailed information is wanting. In any case something depends on the industrial growth of the vicinity, for the success of its hinterland in attracting industries is another aspect of the same competitive struggle. Similarly, an endeavour ought to be made to determine the boundaries of the markets for its various products and services, and since these boundaries themselves have to be explained, we have to enquire into the relative strength of the “ pulls” which the town’s various advantages exercise in drawing industries to the area and in retaining them. We are still far off the time when employers are willing to supply in enough detail information relating to their material, labour, and other costs to make an inductive test of any particular theory of the location of industries possible, and for the time being one must rest content with illustrative rather than conclusive statements of the motives and advantages which brought typical businesses to the town.
