In preparing this collection of essays, we have tried to ensure that a coherent theme runs through all the contributions, namely, the importance of the spatial dimension in the formulation of public policy. Though the volume deals explicitly only with Britain, we are confident that readers will recognise the general nature of the issues that are raised, which have not in the past received their due recognition.

Apart from the common interest of the authors in this particular field of enquiry, there is another bond that we should like to record. All the contributors pursued their undergraduate studies in geography at St Catharine's College, Cambridge, under the guidance of Mr. A. A. L. Caesar following his return to the College twenty years ago in 1951. It was under his guidance that all the contributors were first introduced to spatial policy problems of the British economy.