New construction orders in 2007 rose by 1% compared with 2006, and orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 rose by 2% compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 rose by 2% compared to the previous quarter, with increases in all sectors except public non housing and private commercial orders.

Private housing orders in 2007 fell by 6% compared to those in 2006. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 rose by 6% compared with the previous quarter, but fell by 11% compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

Public housing and housing association orders rose by 7% in 2007 compared with 2006, while their orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 rose by 12% compared to the previous quarter, and by 14% compared to the same quarter a year ago. All comparisons in this sector are affected by large variations due to its relatively small size.

-- Advertisement --

Infrastructure orders in 2007 rose by 24% compared with 2006. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 rose by 9% compared with the previous quarter, and by 17% when compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Public non-housing orders (excluding infrastructure) in 2007 rose by 5% compared with 2006. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 fell by 3% compared with the previous quarter, but rose by three per cent compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Private commercial orders in 2007 were two per cent higher than in 2006. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 were 4% lower compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 10% compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

Private industrial orders in 2007 fell by 12% compared to the previous year. Orders in the fourth quarter of 2007 rose by 10% compared to the previous quarter, but fell by 17% compared to the same quarter a year ago.

(GK/JM)