Feb 10 2006
Orders in 2005 rose by seven per cent compared with 2004, and orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 rose by 12 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 rose by seven per cent compared to the previous quarter, with decreases in private housing, infrastructure and public non housing orders being offset by increases in public housing, private industrial and private commercial orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.
Private housing orders in 2005 rose by five per cent compared to those in 2004. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 fell by 12 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by one per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
Public housing and housing association orders rose by eight per cent in 2005 compared with 2004. Public housing and housing association orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 rose by 45 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 53 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.
Infrastructure orders in 2005 increased by 35 per cent compared with 2004. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 fell by eight per cent compared with the previous quarter, but rose by 20 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in 2005 fell by nine per cent compared with 2004. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 fell by nine per cent compared with the previous quarter, and were 19 per cent lower compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Private commercial orders in 2005 were three per cent higher than in 2004. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 were 30 per cent higher compared to the previous quarter, and rose by 31 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Private industrial orders in 2005 rose by 23 per cent compared to the previous year. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2005 rose by 44 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 27 per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.