In most markets, but especially North America, the steep fall in fuel prices has restored some profitability to truck operators, and with it their ability to replace ageing equipment.

ECONOMIST: The truck industry

They pile the lobbying pressure on with warnings that incentives for investment need to keep coming, and under time pressure, if ageing equipment is to be used to squeeze more out of emptying reservoirs.

BBC: Buzzard platform in the North Sea

Messrs Paterson and Gordon also raise concerns that the transfer from Whitehall to Scotland of regulation, licensing, inspection and safety is a major undertaking, particularly in a mature region for oil and gas, with ageing equipment, hard-to-reach reserves and a looming boom in decommissioning.

BBC: Scottish independence: energy's alternating currents

Ageing equipment quickly becomes useless.

ECONOMIST: America's business recovery

The firm said it continuously monitors track, signalling, overhead power supply and other equipment for ageing and degradation.

BBC: England

The makers of outdoor equipment are ageing, too, and find it hard to fathom what younger people want.

ECONOMIST: The leisure industry: Even campers grow old | The