The recent Arctic spell has seriously tried Britain’s power and transport systems. Many people argue that these services have been found wanting, and the Opposition demands to know why the Government has not increased the number of power plants to meet any heavy demand which is likely to occur every decade or so. Government officials state clearly that much expenditure would result in idle capital, because plant might not be needed for long periods. These two words – “idle capital” – sum up the whole situation. They explain why the lights go low, the coal cellars remain bare and hospitals have no emergency power units at times of climatic misbehaviour.