May 4 2007
Orders in the year to March 2007 rose by four per cent compared to orders in the previous twelve month period, and orders in the first quarter of 2007 rose by one per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier. Orders in the first quarter of 2007 rose by four per cent compared to the previous quarter, due to a rise in all sectors except private housing and private industrial orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.
Private housing orders in the year to March 2007 fell by two per cent compared to those in the previous year. Orders in the first quarter of 2007 fell by eight per cent compared with the previous quarter, but rose by one per cent compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
Public housing and housing association orders rose by 26 per cent in the year to March 2007 compared with the previous year. Public housing and housing association orders in the first quarter of 2007 rose by 20 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 27 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 the year to March 2007 fell by 16 per cent compared with the previous twelve month period. Orders in the first quarter of 2007 rose by 35 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by 44 per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the year to March 2007 fell by six per cent compared with the previous twelve month period. Orders in the first quarter of 2007 rose by nine per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by three per cent when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.
Private commercial orders in the year to March 2007 were 21 per cent higher than in the previous year. Orders in the first quarter of 2007 rose by two per cent compared to the previous quarter, but fell by 10 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.
Private industrial orders in the year to March 2007 fell by six per cent compared to the previous year. Orders in the first quarter of 2007 fell by four per cent compared to the previous quarter, and by 11 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier.