Only now is it possible to see Edward Heath's controversial administration (1970-1974) in balanced historical perspective - and increasingly it seems a turning-point for postwar Britain. This timely volume explores the agenda of the Heath government in all its aspects (including economy, industrial relations, social policy, immigration, Northern Ireland, British entry into Europe, and foreign relations), assesses how far it achieved its aims, and examines the response to them. The book is based upon much new research, including the archives of the Conservative Party and the TUC, and interviews with many of those involved at the heart of government. The result will be essential reading for anyone interested in modern British history, politics and government.

Preface. Acknowledgements. Notes on Contributors. 1. The Heath Government in History, Anthony Seldon. 2. The Prime Minister and the Making of Policy, John Ramsden. 3. Number 10 Under Edward Heath, Lewis Baston and Anthony Seldon. 4. The Heath Government, Whitehall and the Civil Service, Kevin Theakston. 5. The Heath Government and the British Economy, Sir Alec Cairncross. 6. Industrial Policy and the `New Capitalism', Robert Taylor. 7. Industrial Relations Policy: Myth and Reality, Robert Taylor. 8. The Social Policy of the Heath Government, Rodney Lowe. 9. Immigration and the Heath Government, Zig Layton-Henry. 10. The Heath Government and Northern Ireland, Paul Arthur. 11. The Heath Government and British Entry into the European Community, John W. Young. 12. The Foreign Policy of the Heath Government, Christopher Hill and Christopher Lord. 13. The Conservative Party and the Heath Government, Stuart Ball. 14. The Fatal Choice: The Calling of the February 1974 Election, Dennis Kavanagh. 15. The Fall of Heath and the End of the Post-War Settlement, Vernon Bogdanor. 16. A Chronology of the Heath Government, Stuart Ball. Appendix. Index.