The shortfall in capital spending compared with plan is as perplexing as it is worrying for ministers.

ECONOMIST: Public investment

The key to their argument was that the government's deficit rules allow capital spending to be increased without abandoning Plan A as the Treasury's so-called "fiscal mandate" targets current not capital spending.

BBC: Switching spending to capital projects

For instance, Arch Coal and Consol Energy, the second- and fourth-largest U.S. producers, don't plan to increase spending on new capital equipment through 2002.

FORBES: The Big Dig

Florida Governor Jeb Bush made parental choice his top priority, spending considerable time and political capital to pilot his plan through a not-always-enthusiastic legislature.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

For instance, Arch Coal and Consol Energy, the second-largest and fourth-largest U.S. producers, through 2002 plan no increases in spending on new capital equipment.

FORBES: The big dig

"We plan to continue to increase and accelerate capital spending to develop new products in new and existing segments... grow our manufacturing footprint in China and explore manufacturing opportunities in other markets, " it said.

BBC: Jaguar Land Rover sees lower profit margins