Publishing international research papers on current practical issues in applied economics the Oxford Bulletin of Economics & Statistics is essential reading for academic and professional economists in both the private and public sector. Whilst the Bulletin publishes papers in all areas of applied economics emphasis is placed on the practical importance theoretical interest and policy relevance of their substantive results as well as on the methodology and technical competence of the research. Contributions on the topical issues of economic policy and the testing of currently controversial economic theories are encouraged as well as more empirical research on both developed and developing countries.