Belief in the sea: State encouragement of British merchant shipping and shipbuilding

This new book is the story of British maritime policy over the past 5 centuries, and will provide an invaluable source of reference for all those whose work is in any way affected by state policies towards the shipping and shipbuilding industries by successive British Governments, and examines the nature and effect of these policies against the background of the changing fortunes of the industries. It gives due attention to the effect of Government policies on both the general viability of British shipping and shipbuilding and on the merchant marine's ability to fulfil its role as the fourth arm of Britain's defences, from the 14th century to the Falklands, and after, including full coverage of recent activity and debate.