For most of the 1980s the British economy has grown faster than the rest of Europe; this year the position is being reversed. The increase in output is expected to be about 3½ per cent this year in Germany, a little over 3 per cent in France and in Italy, as against about 2½ per cent in this country. Looking further ahead the gap may widen with growth of around 1 per cent a year in Britain, but 2 or 3 per cent a year in other major European economies.