This paper derives a revealed preference test for utility maximization under rationing and can detect, for which goods rationing is binding without specifying a functional form or imposing rationing constraints prior to estimation. For UK data from 1920–55, we find evidence of utility...

This paper develops and evaluates a rationing linear programming procedure that uses an “efficiency index” to allow for violations of revealed preference to be attributed to “almost” optimal choices. The procedure detects rationing using U.K. data. Various Monte Carlo simulations are...

World War Two, rationing, and shortages limited the amount of food and other goods available to households. The new welfare state of Clement Attlee’s Labour Party and derationing were supposed to provide food and other consumption goods to meet the needs of households, but voters were...