The latest figures have revealed that orders in the twelve months to June 2007 rose by 3% compared with the previous twelve months, and orders in the second quarter of 2007 rose by 3% compared to the same period a year earlier.

Orders in the second quarter of 2007 rose by 5% compared to the previous quarter, with increases in private commercial, public non housing and private housing orders. All orders figures quoted are seasonally adjusted and in constant (2000) prices.

Private housing orders in the twelve months to June 2007 fell by 2% compared to those in the previous twelve months. Orders in the second quarter of 2007 rose by 1% compared with the previous quarter, but fell by 6% compared with the same period a year earlier.

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Public housing and housing association orders rose by 26% in the 12 months to June 2007 compared with the previous 12 months. Public housing and housing association orders in the second quarter of 2007 fell by 3% compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 24% compared to the same period a year earlier. All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.

Infrastructure orders in the twelve months to June 2007 fell by 1% compared with the previous 12 months. Orders in the second quarter of 2007 fell by 25% compared with the previous quarter, but rose by 16% when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in the year to June 2007 rose by 4% compared with the previous twelve months. Orders in the second quarter of 2007 rose by 20 per cent compared with the previous quarter, and by 30 per cent when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Private commercial orders in the twelve months to June 2007 were 8% higher than in the previous twelve months. Orders in the second quarter of 2007 were 22% higher compared to the previous quarter, but fell by 2% compared to the same period a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in the twelve months to June 2007 fell by 4% compared to the previous year. Orders in the second quarter of 2007 fell by 11% compared to the previous quarter, and by 2% compared to the same period a year earlier.

(SP)